Health Problems of the Elderly

I.What is cancer?

1. Cancer is not incurable：Current treatment of cancer is very effective especially for cancers at the early stage. And an effective way of cancer prevention is to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

2. Cancer is the unlimited growth of abnormal cells, which can spread to different parts of the body. It can affect the normal function of different organs and may lead to death. Cancer is also called 'Malignant Tumor'.

3. According to 'Hong Kong's cancer statistics' in 1999：Among the elders over 65 years old, the three commonest cancers affecting male elders were cancer of lung, liver and large intestine, for female elders they were cancer of large intestine, lung and breast.

II. Risk factors for cancer :

1. Smoking：Research shows that chronic and passive smokers not only have higher risk of developing lung cancer, but also other cancers like cancer of lip , oral cavity, tongue, larynx cancer, esophagus and bladder

2. Unhealthy eating habit：Frequent intake of preserved food, barbecued food or high fat but low fiber diet is associated with increased chance of stomach cancer and colorectal cancer.

3. Environmental pollution：Exhaust from factory and vehicles, prolonged contact with chemicals such as asbestos can increase the chance of lung cancer. In addition, consumption of industrial pollutant. e.g. chemically polluted food and water may also lead to cancer.

4. Lack of exercise：Lack of exercise can increase the chance of colorectal cancer and breast cancer.

5. Alcohol abuse：Habitual excessive consumption of alcohol can cause cancer in liver and esophagus.

6. Age：Over 70% of cancers occur in the elders aged seventy or above.

7. Sun exposure：Frequent over exposure to sunlight may cause skin cancer.

8. Other：Viral and bacterial infection, diseases of the immune system and hereditary factors may also be closely related with cancers.

III. Warning symptoms of cancer

The symptoms of cancer depend on the organ affected. In general, they are not obvious & non-specific at early stage. Thus elders should be alert to any change in their health conditions, e.g. unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, etc., and seek early treatment. Early treatment increases the chance of cure.

1. Abnormal bleeding：e.g. blood in sputum, blood in urine or stool, nasal bleeding and vaginal bleeding after menopause.

2. Abnormal discharge：e.g. from nipple or vagina.

3. Change in bowel and voiding habits, e.g. change in frequency.

4. Prolonged coughing or hoarseness of voice.

5. Painless lump.

6. Indigestion or swallowing difficulties.

7. Hearing loss, ringing in the ear (especially if only one ear is affected).

8. Obvious change of wart or mole (enlarged, change in color, or spontaneous bleeding).

9. Unexplained weight loss.

Notes: The warning signs & symptoms listed above are not necessarily due to cancer as they may be symptoms of other diseases.

IV. Tips for cancer prevention

Most cancers are related to lifestyle, environment and eating habit (80-90%). Thus, cancer prevention should start with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

1. Quit smoking and avoid passive smoking

   • Risk of Lung Cancer can be halved after quitting smoking for 5 years. After 10 years of quitting, the risk returns to that of a non-smoker.

   • Smokers can contact the Tobacco Control Office for information on smoking cessation.

2. Good eating habit
   
   • Maintain a well balanced diet
     
   • Increase intake of high fiber diet such as breakfast cereals, whole wheat bread and different kinds of green vegetables and fruits.
     
   • Avoid over intake of animal fat, preserved, smoked, over-cooked or stale foods and those foods which had already expired.

    

3. Choose to live in fresh air environment
   

• Avoid crowded area, and maintain good ventilation at home.
1. Regular exercise and weight watching
   

• These measures help to reduce the chance of colorectal cancer, breast cancer and bladder cancer.
1. Limit alcohol intake

• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
• Chronic alcoholics can join the support groups for quitting alcohol.
  
1. Appropriate screening test and be alert to any change in health condition.
   

   1. Women should have routine Pap Smear done for the prevention of cervical cancer and detection of precancerous changes.

   2. For those with family history, breast examination and mammogram could detect early breast cancer.

   3. Hepatitis B carrier should follow doctor's advice on regular check of alpha feto protein and ultrasound of liver.

   4. Recurrent & chronic stomach ulcer must be treated.

   5. In case of suspicion or warning symptoms, seek medical advice as soon as possible.

2. Avoid over exposure to sunlight (ultra violet light)
   
   • Avoid persistent exposure to sunlight during outdoor activities by wearing caps, and long-sleeved clothing, and applying sun screen (with SPF 15 or above).

V. Community Resources