Home Care Services Discuss the Basics of Prostate Cancer
Your father’s age group is one that suffers from a rise in instances of prostate cancer. As elderly homecare services suggest, life expectancy is increasing. However, without proper screening and proactive involvement in your dad’s health care, he may develop prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is when cells in the prostate grow out of control. It is recommended that older men have a routine PSA blood level check yearly in order to screen for this. This indicates if there is a change in cell growth. Another factor is if your father notices that his prostate gland is enlarged or engorged. If the size has increased, it may be a benign condition. However, our home care services believe (and doctor’s agree!) that preventative care is the best care.
If your dad has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it does not have to be a fatal pronouncement. There are various stages of the disease, and elderly home care services suggest learning more about the specifics for your parent’s cancer to determine their healthcare decisions.
The stage of prostate cancer is categorized according to three metrics, named “T”, “N”, and “M”. T represents how the tumor feels; this can vary from T1 to T4. The number is determined by the doctors examining your dad as well as results of the biopsy. A lower the number means the cells are contained, the higher the number indicate the cells may have spread to other organs.
N stands for numbers. A zero is an indicator that there are no cancer cells in the lymph nodes. However, N1 indicates that the lymph nodes and the pelvis are affected.
M signifies metastasized. MO means it is contained within the pelvic region. However;
- M1- it has spread beyond
- M1a - it has spread beyond + lymph nodes
- M1b – it has spread to the bones
- M1c - it is spreading into other organs
Elderly home care services don’t want this information to frighten you and your parent—this is meant to inform you of proactive healthcare and to understand the process in care. Also the importance of asking questions.
Visiting Angels of Auburn, NH provides in home care services to families in Auburn, Candia, Derry, Goffstown, Dunbarton, Londonderry, Raymond, Salem, Manchester, Hooksett, Bedford, Suncook, Weare, Concord, Bow, Atkinson, Deerfield, Sandown, Hampstead, Chester, Fremont, Allenstown, Pembroke, Hopkinton, Danville, and other areas around Auburn, New Hampshire.
Original article published on Cancer.net