November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and now is a great time to learn more about the symptoms of lung cancer in seniors. Your senior mom or dad should be getting a lung cancer screening regularly if they have a history of smoking.
If your mom or dad is living alone and they are experiencing any of the symptoms of lung cancer which makes it difficult for them to live at home safely, home care can help.
A home care provider can help your mom or dad with things like housework, running errands, or preparing meals. And, if your mom or dad has any of these symptoms of lung cancer a home care provider can take your mom or dad to a cancer screening if you can’t take them. The most common symptoms of lung cancer in seniors are:
Chronic Cough
A cough that won’t go away is a key symptom of lung cancer. If your senior parent has a cough that lasts for more than a few weeks, it could be a sign something is wrong.
Seniors can have lingering coughs due to allergies, colds, or the flu. But a cough that continues for too long could be more serious. Pay attention if the cough gets worse or changes over time. If your mom or dad is coughing up blood they need to see a doctor right away.
Shortness of Breath
Another potential symptom of lung cancer is feeling out of breath with only minor exertion. You may notice that your mom or dad becomes winded from simple tasks, like walking up stairs or getting up from a chair.
There are a lot of reasons why seniors may have trouble breathing, including medication side effects. But lung cancer can block the airways, making it harder for your mom or dad’s lungs to work properly. Anytime you notice that your mom or dad is getting winded more quickly than they used to that should be checked out.
Chest Pain
Lung cancer can cause pain in the chest, back, or shoulders. This pain is often sharp or constant. Your mom or dad might think it’s related to something else, like heart problems or muscle strain. And it could be.
However, if the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse with deep breaths, coughing, or laughing, it could be a sign of lung cancer. Any unexplained chest pain should be checked by a doctor, especially if it’s persistent.
Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired all the time is another common symptom. Cancer affects seniors in many ways, and fatigue is one of the most common symptoms seniors experience. This type of tiredness doesn’t get better with rest or sleep. Your mom or dad may feel exhausted even after doing little activity.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying can be a sign of lung cancer. If you notice that your mom or dad is losing weight without actively trying to lose weight it could be a warning sign.
Weight loss because of cancer happens because cancer cells use up a lot of energy, which can cause your mom or dad to drop pounds unexpectedly. Many seniors don’t connect weight loss to cancer, but it’s one of the major symptoms to look for, especially when paired with other signs.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Home Care in Southbury, NY, please contact the caring staff at Elderly Caregivers LLC. today at (203) 628-7438
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