At your age you are at a higher risk of cancer. Old persons should assure their health and well-being because various cancers are on the rise that can affect both men and women. Cancer statistics for 2012 predict that older adults are likely to be diagnosed with cancer than young people. In addition, death rates might increase unless specific treatments and prevention measures are discovered.

Since you are at risk of cancer, it is important to watch out for symptoms such as feeling weak, a thickening lump on the body, weight loss or gain with no particular reason, discomfort after eating and unusual discharge or bleeding among many others. The only way to know for sure is to visit a doctor for a checkup. Regular checkups and screening tests can help in detecting some cancers early and start treatment.

Some of the cancers expected to increase in the elderly include:

a. Skin

Some types of skin cancers are dangerous and require proper medical attention. Americans over 65 are likely to suffer from melanoma. The disease can develop in arms, legs, trunk, neck and head. The risk factors include exposure to the sun, family history, fair skin, moles, UV light exposure, age and freckles among others.

b. Thyroid

Elderly people who suffer from thyroid cancer have higher death occurrences if not treated according to the American Thyroid Association. Women are more at risk of the disease than men.

c. Liver

American Cancer Society estimates new cases of liver cancer in men and women will rise in 2012. The cancer is more in older men and has been rising slowly for several years. Hepatitis viruses have been associated with majority of liver cancers. The viruses can cause infections of many years leading to liver cirrhosis and chronic active hepatitis.

d. HPV-related oral cancers

Oral cancers are on the rise especially in men due to the increase in oral sex practices. Cancers of the mouth can also be brought about by alcohol, smoking and drinking alcohol. However, cancers from these factors have reduced compared to those caused by the HPV virus.

e. Pancreatic and kidney

These types of cancers can be due to factors such as obesity, physical activities, smoking, race and gender. Statistics show the increase could be due to obesity. Losing any excess weight may decrease the risk of suffering from pancreatic and kidney cancers.