Why Oral Cancer Screenings Are More Important Than You Think for Seniors

Victoria Senior Health  |  May 11, 2019

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC Needs to Know About Oral Cancer Screening

There is much to learn about seniors and oral cancer. Seniors facing several chronic conditions and losing strength, do not often think it’s due to oral cancer. It may be the last thing on their mind. However, it should not be overlooked. 

Oral cancer screenings should take place regularly. This year alone, as many as 5,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease. A large chunk of those diagnosed are individuals 65+. Seniors are a bigger risk because of their advanced age.

Statistics show that as many as 65% of individuals diagnosed with the disease will live past five years.

The good news is that the survival rates for this type of cancer are pretty high. Statistics show that as many as 65% of individuals diagnosed with oral cancer will live past five years. At the same time, if caught early, it can be effectively treated with an 85 percent survival rate beyond five years.

If your loved one has complained about certain sensations you think could be related to oral cancer, it is important to act quickly. Do not delay a visit to the doctor and keep reading to learn more about what oral cancer is.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is an umbrella term referring to cancers occurring on the floor and roof of the mouth, teeth, gums, lips and cheeks, and the front of the tongue. Oral cancer can also occur in the middle region of the throat and the back of the mouth.

What Are the Early Signs of Oral Cancer?

Early signs of oral cancer include soreness, irritation, mobility issues with one’s mouth or jaw, lumps, thick patches of skin, tenderness, numbness, chewing problems, and trouble swallowing.

What Are the Available Treatment Options?

There are several treatment options available for oral cancer. They are surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and medication.

At Comfort Keepers® Victoria we feel that home is the best place to be.

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with 24-hour care, overnight care, respite care, senior care, companionship care, end-of-life care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria provides in-home elderly care services

Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Comfort Keepers® Victoria in-home caregivers can help with Interactive Caregiving™

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. 

Learn more about our unique service which offers respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is proud to provide senior care and home care services to keep seniors safe in their homes.

If you are searching for home care near me, Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for the seniors of Victoria and the surrounding areas of Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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