As you get older, your chances of being diagnosed with cancer increase. Most cases are found in people over 65, and certain types show up far more often in seniors than in younger adults. Knowing which cancers are most common can help you stay alert to symptoms and talk with your doctor about the right screenings. Keep reading to learn more about the most common cancers in seniors.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer ranks as the most common cancer in seniors, with women over 65 making up a large share of new cases. While men can develop it too, it’s much more likely to affect you if you’re a woman. You might notice a lump, swelling, or skin changes like dimpling, but sometimes there are no early signs at all. The risk keeps rising with age, which is why it often shows up later in life. Treatments can include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or a combination depending on the stage and type of cancer you have.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers you could face as you get older, especially if you’re a man over 65. It usually grows slowly and might not cause any symptoms early on, but some people notice problems like trouble urinating, a weak stream, or blood in the urine. Sometimes prostate cancer stays confined to the gland, but it can also spread to other parts of the body if it’s more aggressive. Treatments might include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or active surveillance if the cancer is growing very slowly.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer becomes more common as you age, especially if you’ve ever smoked or been exposed to harmful substances over time. Most people diagnosed are over 65, and it often develops without obvious symptoms until it’s more advanced. When signs do appear, you might notice a persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood. There are different types, including non-small cell and small cell, which affect how quickly the cancer grows and spreads. Depending on the type and stage, your treatment could include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted drugs.
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer, which includes both colon and rectal cancer, becomes much more common after age 65. It usually starts as small growths called polyps in the lining of your colon or rectum, which can slowly turn into cancer over time. You might not notice any symptoms at first, but warning signs can include changes in your bowel habits, blood in your stool, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss. Since it tends to develop gradually, it’s often found during routine screenings like colonoscopies. If you’re diagnosed, treatment options might involve surgery to remove the cancer, along with chemotherapy or radiation depending on how far it’s spread.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is more likely to affect you as you get older, especially if you’re a man or have a history of smoking. Most cases are diagnosed in people over 65, and the earliest sign is often blood in the urine, even if you’re not feeling any pain. You might also notice frequent urination, urgency, or discomfort while urinating. The cancer usually starts in the inner lining of the bladder and can either stay localized or spread deeper into the bladder wall. Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy delivered directly into the bladder, immunotherapy, or more extensive procedures if the cancer is invasive.
Melanoma
Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that becomes more common as you age, often showing up after years of sun exposure. If you’re over 65, your risk is much higher, especially if you’ve had a lot of sunburns or used tanning beds in the past. You might first notice a new mole or a change in an existing one. It could look asymmetrical, have uneven borders, or change color. Melanoma can spread quickly if it isn’t caught early, which makes skin checks important. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer, but advanced cases may require immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma becomes more common as you get older, with most cases found in people over 65. This cancer affects your lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system, and can show up in your lymph nodes, spleen, or other parts of your body. You might notice painless swelling in your neck, armpits, or groin, along with fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats. There are many types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and some grow slowly while others are more aggressive. Treatment can include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted drugs, radiation, or stem cell transplants depending on how the disease behaves.
Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is more likely to affect you later in life, with most diagnoses happening after age 65. It often develops silently, without symptoms in the early stages, which makes it harder to detect until it’s more advanced. When signs do appear, you might experience abdominal pain, weight loss, jaundice, or changes in digestion. The cancer usually starts in the ducts of your pancreas and can spread quickly to nearby organs. Depending on the stage and location, treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or newer options like targeted therapies or immunotherapy.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, becomes more common as you age, with most cases found in people over 65. It often starts in the lining of the small tubes in your kidneys and may not cause symptoms early on. You might eventually notice blood in your urine, back or side pain, fatigue, or an unexplained lump near your lower ribs. Many cases are discovered during imaging tests done for other reasons, which means it can be caught before it spreads. Treatment options can include surgery to remove part or all of the kidney, as well as targeted therapies, immunotherapy or active monitoring.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that becomes more common as you get older, especially certain forms like chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Most cases are diagnosed after age 65, and the disease starts in your bone marrow, where blood cells are made. You might feel tired all the time, get frequent infections, bruise easily, or notice swollen lymph nodes. Because leukemia affects your blood and immune system, it can spread throughout your body without forming solid tumors. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, targeted drugs, immunotherapy, or, in some cases, stem cell transplants depending on the type and how quickly it’s progressing.
Conclusion
Seniors face an increased risk of developing cancer, but age isn’t the only factor you need to think about. Lifestyle choices like smoking, diet, and sun exposure, along with your genetic background, can all raise your chances of facing a cancer diagnosis. Staying aware of your personal risk factors gives you an opportunity to take preventive steps and discuss appropriate screenings with your doctor. Early detection makes a major difference, especially for cancers like breast, colon, and skin cancer, where finding it early can lead to more treatment options and better outcomes.
If you’re diagnosed with cancer, your treatment path will depend on the type of cancer, your overall health and how far the disease has progressed. Treatments might include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies. Your doctor will work with you to create a plan that fits your situation. Having cancer insurance can ease the financial strain that often comes with a diagnosis, helping you focus on your care without worrying about unexpected costs. For more information on cancer insurance options, please call 866-633-4427 to speak with a Senior Healthcare Solutions Medicare expert.
