Seniors and Oral Cancer: Screening, Treatment and In-Home Care

Edmonton Senior Health  |  May 11, 2019

What Every Senior in Edmonton, AB, Needs to Know About Oral Cancer Screening and Treatment

Seniors and oral cancer and what we need to know. We do not often think about oral cancer, however, our senior population should consider oral cancer screenings mandatory. This year, some 5,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer. Many will be over the age of 65 as advanced age is a risk factor for oral cancer.

Seniors and Oral Cancer Statistics:

The large majority, or 65 percent, of individuals diagnosed with oral cancer, will live beyond five years.

Proper screenings can detect oral cancer early. An early diagnosis can offer an 85% chance of living five years after detection. 

If your loved one complains about symptoms you think may be indicative of cancer, the time to act is now. Read on and get your loved one the help they need.

What is Oral Cancer?

When we talk about oral cancer, we are usually referring to cancers occurring on the floor and roof of the mouth. It can also occur in the teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, the front of the tongue, the middle of the throat, and the back of the mouth.

Are Early Signs of Oral Cancer Noticeable?

Oral cancer does cause noticeable changes in the mouth. They are, however, often overlooked by seniors. Signs include soreness, irritation, trouble moving the mouth or jaw, thick patches of skin, tenderness, numbness, and issues with swallowing or chewing.

What Does Oral Cancer Treatment Look Like?

Very often, treatment involves surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and medication. If your loved one is or has been diagnosed with oral cancer, they may receive any one of these treatments or a combination.

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is Proud to Offer a Wide Range of Home Senior Care Services

Our trained caregivers will ensure your loved one is comfortable, independent and safe in their home. On top of that, we will also aim to enhance their overall health, quality of life and general happiness. 

Top-Notch Home Healthcare for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Comfort Keepers of Edmonton offers a broader range of senior care services. We offer retirement care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, and senior living transition services. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can provide 24-hour care and more!

Helping Seniors Age-in-Place with Companionship Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our client’s needs. Our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind, empathy. We strive to stimulate our clients emotionally, mentally and socially, thus enhancing their overall quality of life. 

Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses companionship, safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs). The system increases seniors’ sense of well-being, independence and companionship by focusing on Senior Mind, Senior Body, Senior Nutrition, and Senior Safety.

Affordable and Client-Directed Homecare is Available for Qualifying Albertans

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton is an Approved Service Provider for the Client Directed Homecare Invoicing (CDHCI) Program Offered by Alberta Health Services. 

What is the Client Directed Home Care Invoicing Program (CDHCI)?

CDHCI is a great program provided by Alberta Health Services (AHS), allowing clients to choose an approved agency like Comfort Keepers Edmonton for Personal Care, Respite Care and Homemaking needs. The chosen agency can then bill AHS directly for services rendered for approved hours through Alberta Blue Cross. Read more about the program HERE.

Accredited Home Care Edmonton

Comfort Keepers® Edmonton was awarded the “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” seal by Accreditation Canada. This honour demonstrates Comfort Keepers’ commitment to offering safe, high-quality home care to its senior clients in Edmonton, AB.

To learn more about senior in-home care in Edmonton, contact the Comfort Keepers® office. Our service territory includes Edmonton, Devon, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain and surrounding areas, contact the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office at 780-465-4665.

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