July is Sarcoma Awareness Month, so it’s the perfect time to learn more about sarcoma and how it could affect your mom or dad. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops in the bones and connective tissue. It spreads quickly and can be painful and hard to treat. Getting senior home care service is a great way to make sure that someone you trust is checking on your senior parent daily.
Several things increase the risk of developing sarcoma, including age. According to research that’s been done about 40% of the sarcoma diagnosed each year occurs in seniors who are 65 or older.
Early detection and rapid treatment are essential when it comes to surviving sarcoma. That’s why recognizing the signs of sarcoma is so important. If you are not with your senior parent daily you may not notice the small changes and developing symptoms of sarcoma.
A senior home care provider can help your senior parent with activities of daily living and let you know if your senior parent has any of these symptoms of sarcoma:
Swelling or Lumps
A noticeable mass or lump, often in the arm, leg, or abdomen, which may be painless initially but can become tender or painful over time is one of the most common symptoms of sarcoma in seniors. Your senior parent may think they just bumped themselves or have some swelling for another reason but persistent swelling is a symptom that something isn’t right. And any lumps should be checked for cancer.
Pain
Persistent pain in the affected area, which may worsen with activity or at night is a symptom of sarcoma. This is especially common if the sarcoma is in or near bones. Seniors live with pain daily, so your mom or dad might not think their pain is something that you need to know about. A senior home care provider will let you know if your senior parent is experiencing pain that you should be aware of.
Limited Range of Motion
If the sarcoma is near a joint, it can cause stiffness and restrict movement in the affected limb or joint. Limited range of motion is very common in seniors, especially seniors who have chronic health conditions that limit their mobility. But if your senior mom or dad suddenly loses their range of motion and they have other symptoms of sarcoma they should see a doctor.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is not always a good thing. Unintended weight loss can occur as the body expends more energy fighting cancer and as appetite decreases. If your senior parent isn’t trying to lose weight or is at a healthy weight and starts losing weight they should see a doctor to find out why they are losing weight.
Fatigue
Persistent tiredness or fatigue can be a symptom of sarcoma. Most seniors experience some level of fatigue, but if your senior parent has increased fatigue or suddenly needs naps to get through the day their doctor should examine them.
Night Sweats
Excessive sweating during the night can be a sign of many types of cancers, including sarcomas. It could also be due to medication, the weather, or other factors. Getting examined by a doctor and having a cancer screening will help pinpoint the cause of your mom or dad’s night sweats.
Source: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/soft-tissue-sarcoma/risks-causes
If you or an aging loved one are considering Senior Home Care Services in Brockway PA please get in touch with the caring staff at Quality Health Services.
Call today! Northern Counties: (814) 251-9044
Blair, Cambria, & Centre Counties: (582) 220-2127
Quality Health Services is a trusted non-medical senior care provider in Dubois, Punxsutawney, Bellefonte, Jefferson, Brockway, Brookville, Clearfield, St Marys, Emporium, Philipsburg, Blair County, Cambria County, and Centre County, PA areas.
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