May is National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month. Many diseases have months or weeks that are dedicated each year to draw awareness to them. When these diseases are highlighted for a certain length of time, it is not to celebrate the disease or those who have had it, but instead to draw awareness to the disease so that others can learn about, prevent it, or diagnose it before it becomes worse. That’s where having caring individuals like yourself and a home care provider, can help spark the conversation about bladder cancer when and if it is needed.
Bladder cancer affects more than 72,000 patients in the United States alone, and while that may seem like a big number, many of those affected feel alone in their situation or wish they had known more about the disease before they became one of those patients.
Early diagnosis and prevention are the keys to reducing the risks that come with bladder cancer. If you have an elderly loved one that you care for, he may notice some of these symptoms but may not always talk about them.
Bladder Cancer Symptoms
Frequent urination. While many elderly people do need to use the bathroom more often, if you or your home care provider notice that your loved one is having to run to the bathroom more often, it could be a symptom of bladder cancer. You might notice that he needs to get to the bathroom much more urgently than before. Your loved one may not even notice that he’s making more bathroom visits, so talking about it is the first step.
Pain while urinating. While pain may simply be a sign of a bladder infection if your loved one complains to either you or his home care provider about discomfort while urinating, an appointment with his physician should be made so that the cause of the pain can be determined quickly.
Inability to urinate. If your loved one runs to the bathroom because he feels an urgent need to urinate but then can’t once he gets there, it’s not only frustrating but also a possible symptom of bladder cancer or an infection.
He sees blood in his urine. It’s never good to see blood in the urine and it is the most common sign of bladder cancer so it shouldn’t be ignored. The blood can be bright red or a deeper reddish-brown like cola.
While reducing the risks of developing bladder cancer is small, there are a few steps your loved one can take to reduce his risk, especially if cancer runs in the family.
- Don’t smoke. If your loved one does smoke, helping him find a good quitting plan will improve his health now and in the future.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruit and vegetables contain antioxidants which can lower the risks of developing many cancers.
- Avoid exposure to chemicals.
When caught in its early stages, bladder cancer is easily treated. Knowing the symptoms and signs are the best first step to detection.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Watkinsville GA, please contact the caring staff at Athens Advance Care, LLC today! (706) 705-2290
Providing exceptional home care in Athens, Watkinsville, North High Shoals, Winterville, Bogart, Commerce, Jefferson, Statham, Arcade, Bishop, and surrounding areas.
We understand that one solution does not fit every situation that’s why we take the time to listen and learn about each client’s needs and preferences.Understandably, most seniors prefer to stay in the familiar comfort of their own homes. This is more doable than you may think. We can arrange for non-medical visits performed by registered nurses and licensed home care aides. Our mission is to provide our clients with affordable private home care services. By providing your loved one with quality in-home care, your loved one will be in an environment that is familiar.
We are always trying to find new and better ways to deliver in-home care to our clients, family, and caregivers. It helps us connect with our communities, share our knowledge, be accessible 24/7, innovate, lead, and raise the bar. In fact, it has helped us create an in-home care experience we believe is second to none, and are confident you’ll agree.
Our company is based on the belief that our client’s needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat clients and referrals.
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