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Should Seniors with Cancer use Radiation Therapy?

Senior Care in Great Neck NYSenior-Care-in-Great-Neck-NY

Radiation therapy, also known as Radiation Oncology, is a popular treatment option for cancer patients. It can help kill the cancerous cells by itself or along with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. According to Radiation Oncology Targeting Cancer, radiation therapy is responsible for up to 40 percent of cancer cures world-wide.

This type of treatment has been effective at curing breast, bowel, and prostate cancer. As highly effective as radiation therapy is, is it the right option for your elderly parent? It does have a number of advantages that may help make your decision as to whether or not radiation therapy is something your loved one should use to cure their cancer.

 

Advantages of Radiation Therapy

  • It is cost-effective. Each treatment is short and allows the cancer patient to continue doing their normal activities shortly afterwards. It is an outpatient procedure, requiring no hospital stay charges and can take as little as an hour to complete. Several treatments may be needed, but this is one of the overall most cost-effective options that will not disrupt the elder’s life.
  • Slows down the growth of cancerous cells. Radiation therapy works to significantly reduce the size of the tumor. Not only will the reduction in tumor size make the elder a candidate for surgery, but it will also relieve many of the symptoms your loved one has, including pain.
  • Treats many different types of cancer. Whether the elder has breast, skin, lung, or prostate cancer, it can all be treated with the use of radiation therapy. This treatment option is recommended for those who have had lumpectomies, especially if their cancer is in its early stages and they had surgery done on one site.
  • Lowers the chance of cancer recurring.  Many cancer survivors do not have to worry about the recurrence of cancer when they use radiation therapy. This is because the remaining cancerous cells are removed after the tumor has been surgically removed.
  • Only the cancer cells are removed. Radiation therapy is an effective tool at only removing the cancerous cells, while protecting the other organs and tissues.
  • Effective in advanced cancer patients. Older adults whose cancer has become too advanced to cure can also benefit from this treatment option. Radiation therapy can relieve any pain caused by the tumor, including pain in the bones.

 

No one wants to think about the possibility that their elderly loved one has cancer. However, with radiation therapy, you can rest assure that the senior will be getting the quality treatment they need. If your loved one is unable to care for themselves due to their health, professional caregivers can be used to complete all tasks that the elder can’t accomplish anymore.

 

If you or an aging loved one are in need of senior care in Great Neck, NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!

 

Source:   http://www.silvercensus.com/radiation-oncology-cancer-treatment/

Stephen Sternbach

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