Cancer after Age 50

Most cancers occur in people over age 50. If cancers are not discovered until they spread to other parts of the body, treatment is less successful. Even if you have a medical checkup every year, be alert for signs of cancer between checkups.

Cancer of the lung

Cancer of the lung affects men and women, mostly after age 50. Most people who get lung cancer are or were cigarette smokers. Quitting reduces your risk for lung cancer.

To help protect yourself:

• Never ignore a cough that doesn't go away or a cough that brings up blood. Tell your healthcare provider about it.
• If you smoke, quit. Talk to your provider if you need help quitting.

Cancer of the colon or rectum

Cancers of the colon or rectum usually occur after age 50. A personal or family history of this cancer or certain bowel problems increases your risk for cancer of the colon or rectum.

To help protect yourself:

• Have a yearly test for blood in the stool, called the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or fecal immunochemical test (FIT), and one of the following tests:
  • sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
  • double-contrast barium enema every 5 years
  • colonoscopy at least every 10 years.

  You may need to start colorectal cancer screening earlier if a member of your immediate family has had colon cancer, especially if their cancer occurred before they were 50 years old.

• Tell your healthcare provider if you have rectal bleeding or a change in your bowel movements, especially if you have bouts of constipation that alternate with bouts of diarrhea.

Skin cancer

Most skin cancers appear after age 50. They are more common in people with blond or red hair, blue eyes, and fair skin that freckles easily. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually from the sun, appears to increase the risk for skin cancers.

To help protect yourself:

• Cover up or apply sunscreen when you are out in the sun.
• Take advantage of any skin cancer screening programs in your area.
• Check your skin regularly for lumps or areas that change in size, shape, or color.

Women's cancers

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. People whose cancers are found early have the best chance of recovery. Four out of five breast cancers occur in women over age 50. Cancer of the uterus occurs mainly between ages 55 and 70. Cancer of the cervix is more common in younger women. Cancer of the ovary occurs mostly in women over 50.

To help protect yourself:

• Examine your breasts monthly for lumps or other changes.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you notice a lump or change in your breast.
• Have a screening mammogram every 1 or 2 years until at least the age of 70 after counseling by your healthcare provider about the possible risks and benefits of the procedure. If you are over 70, ask your healthcare provider how often you should have a mammogram.
• Have regular medical checkups, including a pelvic exam and Pap test according to your healthcare provider's recommendations.
• Tell your provider about any vaginal discharge or unusual vaginal bleeding.
• Tell your provider if you have continuing, unexplained abdominal discomfort.

Men's cancers

Cancer of the prostate mostly affects men over age 55. Cancer of the testes affects mainly young and middle-aged men.

To help protect yourself:

• Have an annual physical checkup that includes a rectal examination.
• Ask your provider about PSA screening tests for prostate cancer.
• Ask your healthcare provider if she or he recommends a monthly testicular self-exam to feel for lumps, swelling, or tenderness.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you notice a lump or change in your testicles or scrotum.

Developed by Ann Carter, MD, for RelayHealth.
Published by RelayHealth.
© 2009 RelayHealth and/or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved.