Answer the question challenge!
The above data comes from the latest cancer report released by the National Cancer Center of China[1], "Cancer Incidence and Mortality in China in 2016" (because cancer data statistics are usually delayed by 2 to 5 years, so this is one of the latest and most representative Chinese cancer data), which includes data from 487 cancer registries across the country, covering about 380 million people, accounting for 27.6% of China's total population.
How many questions did you answer correctly? Have these answers refreshed your understanding of cancer? Next, I will discuss the topic of cancer and age in detail.
The incidence of cancer increased 11-fold in people over the age of 65
Human exploration of the disease of cancer has never stopped, and its understanding is also increasing. Regarding the characteristics of cancer, the 2000 Classic Review of the Oncology Community explained the pathogenesis and development mechanism of malignant tumors with 6 features, and then added two supplements on this basis, namely 2011 and 2022.
The third edition describes 4 characteristics of cancer increase, and "senescent cells" are striking.
Once upon a time, cellular senescence was thought to be a protective mechanism for maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, a growing body of research evidence suggests that senescent cells can promote tumorigenesis and development in various ways in some cases.
With the increasing number of cancer characteristics, we have to pay attention to the health impact of aging problems.
！
Cancer is indeed inseparable from aging
Data from Cancer J[2] show that most people with malignancies are 65 years of age and older, with a median age of about 68 years at the time of cancer diagnosis, and an estimated lifetime cancer risk of 44% in men and 38% in women.
The incidence of cancer has increased 11-fold in people over the age of 65 compared to young people. It is worth mentioning that in the past 30 years, the incidence of cancer has increased by 26% in people over 65 years old, while those under 65 years of age have increased by 10%; cancer-related mortality rates have also seen a similar phenomenon.
？
How older patients differ from younger patients
Among the different types of malignancies, there are certain differences in the pathological types of elderly patients and young patients, such as a higher rate of hormone receptor positivity in 65-year-old breast cancer patients, but in general, elderly patients have the following commonalities:
In older patients, especially over 80 years of age, most treatment is irregular;
Age limits the selectivity of treatment modalities;
High risk of complications after surgical treatment, poor cardiopulmonary function;
A higher risk of weight loss after treatment;
Cancer-related mortality is higher in older patients.
The above data and phenomena point to a social problem: the risk of cancer faced by the elderly population cannot be ignored. As the proportion of aging further increases, this problem is bound to become more serious.
How to prevent cancer in middle-aged and elderly people
Although cellular senescence is an established risk factor for cancer to occur and progress. However, as an individual, the adverse effects of cancer on quality of life, family relationships, psychological stress, etc., deserve our attention to the prevention of cancer. The following points should be kept in mind for middle-aged and elderly people:
01
Emphasis is placed on the treatment of chronic underlying diseases
Many middle-aged and elderly people have chronic underlying diseases such as hypertension and hyperglycemia; these chronic diseases have been found to be related to the occurrence and development of cancer.
02
Abandon bad habits
Smoking, drinking alcohol, etc. are among the main risk factors for many cancers.
03
Manage weight and exercise consistently
Obesity is a risk factor for a variety of cancers, And China's obesity rate has continued to rise in the past decade; while long-term exercise can create a "cancer suppressing" environment in the body and effectively fight cancer.
04
Pay attention to physical examinations, especially cancer screening
After retirement in old age, many people ignore the physical examination, which can easily lead to the phenomenon that cancer will reach the advanced stage as soon as it is found out.
05
Maintain a positive mindset and a pleasant mood
Even if the physical strength and flexibility are not as good as before, even if the living environment becomes single, we must create our own wonderful.
bibliography
[1] Rongshou Zheng, et al. Cancer incidence and mortality in China, 2016. Journal of the National Cancer Center. March 9, 2022;5:38.
[2] Yancik R. Population aging and cancer: a cross-national concern. Cancer J. 2005 Nov-Dec;11(6):437-41.