Cancer is a common disease among older adults. In the modern era, people who have reached or passed the age of 65 frequently continue to work and are active physically and socially. However, the body undergoes changes related to old age. Every illness has its typical risk factors; some are genetic and require meticulous follow-up, and some are associated with lifestyle and exposure to carcinogenic substances throughout life. At the same time, the body’s immune system weakens over the years, and as time passes, it struggles to protect the body from various diseases, including different cancer types.

Early detection of diseases can be lifesaving. If you notice any unusual changes in your body, such as a new lump, a beauty spot that has changed color, unexplained weight loss, or persistent pain, do not wait for your annual checkup. See a doctor right away.

Prevailing cancer types in older adults

60% of cancer cases are diagnosed in people over the age of 65. These are the common cancer types:

• Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, and its prevalence increases with age. Even when diagnosed in the metastatic phase, there are treatments available that can help extend life significantly and maintain a good quality of life
• Breast cancer: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and its prevalence increases with age. Screening tests are a valuable tool for early detection of breast cancer, which can lead to more effective treatment
• Lung cancer: Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop lung cancer. Its prevalence increases with age, and it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. In recent years, new, life-prolonging medications have been developed.
• Colorectal cancer: Common mainly in older adults over the age of 50. It can be detected early through screening tests.

Can cancer be prevented at an older age

The best way to prevent cancer in older ages is to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle:

• Healthy nutrition: e.g., reducing the consumption of smoked or salted meat, adopting a Mediterranean diet rich with vegetables, fruits, and olive oil, and maintaining a healthy weight
• Physical activity adapted to your physical condition and the requirements and goals you wish to achieve, for example, muscle strengthening and balance improvement
• Refraining from smoking or ceasing to smoke
• Avoiding exposure to the sun

Periodic checkups

In older age, it is essential to undergo regular periodic checkups that can help detect various cancer types early and adjust appropriate therapy. Early cancer detection, of any type, can significantly affect recovery chances.

When a localized cancer is detected before it has spread to other parts of the body, it can be treated with therapies, including surgery, radiation, or in combination with chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or biological therapy, for the purpose of curing it.

In cases where an advanced cancer has disseminated to distant body regions through metastasis, there are several treatment options aimed at extending life expectancy and preserving overall quality of life throughout the course of the illness. It is imperative that people with a family history of first- and second-degree relatives with cancer obtain genetic counselling and individual recommendations for screening and follow-up checkups.

The period checkups recommended for the general population are the following:

• Mammogram for detecting breast cancer: This is a screen test that should be performed once every two years from the age of 50 to 75. If a woman (or a man) feels a new lump in the breast, they should immediately seek medical assistance
• Occult Blood Screen: This is a yearly screening assessment intended for individuals above the age of 50, involving a straightforward process that can be carried out in the patient's own home. Should the screening uncover hidden blood, the patient will be recommended to undergo a colonoscopy, an intrusive procedure designed to identify colon tumors or polyps with potential for future malignancy.
• Skin screen: An annual screen for detecting suspicious moles and beauty spots that may indicate melanoma in the skin. If you see a new, dark skin lesion, which tends to bleed, or a wound that does not heal over time, seek medical assistance immediately
• Teeth and oral cavity test: For detecting lesions in the soft tissues with the aim of early detection of diseases such as oral cancer
• Eye tests are performed annually to detect lesions
• Regular checkup at the gynecologist, including womb and ovaries ultrasound, to detect lesions. In the event of vaginal bleeding in a menopausal woman, or a new swelling of the abdomen, seek medical assistance immediately.

Further information on important periodic checkups in older age

Treatment of cancer in old age

Cancer diseases of varying types are treated based on the disease's stage, utilizing approaches such as surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies like chemotherapy, biological agents, or immune treatments, which can be administered through oral intake or injections.

The oncologist in charge will provide treatment recommendations that align with the specific cancer type and its stage while also taking into account the patient's existing health conditions as well as the preferences and values of both the patient and their family.

Treatment of cancer diseases in old age will usually be done in cooperation with the doctors who treat the patient in the community because some of the treatments may affect prior health conditions.
At times, a psycho-geriatric assessment might be necessary to determine the appropriate treatment approach. It's crucial to consider the potential psychological effects of the treatments and, if deemed necessary, engage with psychosocial support services.

Cancer patients’ rights

Learning the numerous rights to which cancer patients are entitled is important

• Disability benefit: In some cases, you may be eligible for a full disability benefit (incapacity level of at least 75%). Cancer patients are eligible for a simplified process for submitting applications to the National Insurance Institute for disability assessment purposes
• Municipal tax discount: Individuals who receive full disability benefits can qualify for a municipal tax discount of up to 80%. Those who do not meet the criteria for disability benefits but have a medical disability rating of 90% can still avail themselves of a municipal tax discount of up to 40%.
• Parking permit and licensing fee: Oncological patients can submit an application for a disabled parking permit with a specialist oncologist's approval (even without a disability confirmation). Individuals who receive disability benefits are also eligible for a discount on the vehicle’s licensing fee, on the condition they have a disabled parking permit
• Emergency room treatment and hospital parking: During their treatments, cancer patients can qualify for an exemption from emergency room fees and hospital parking charges. For more information read here
• Emotional support: Coping with cancer can prove difficult and demanding. Emotional support, whether provided individually or in group settings, can help alleviate the challenges, benefiting both the patients and their supportive families. HMOs provide such treatments to their patients. Additionally, exploring the offerings of different non-profit organizations is worthwhile. For more information read here
• Long-term care benefit for cancer patients: Cancer patients who have reached retirement age (women at the age of 62 and men at 67) and require assistance at home or in the nursing home where they reside may be eligible, on certain conditions, for a long-term care benefit. For more information read here.

For complete information on all the rights of cancer patients, visit the Kol Zchut website