Cancer is a word no one wants to hear, but it’s something that becomes increasingly important to understand and prevent as we age. More than 60% of cancer diagnoses occur in people aged 55 and older, but that doesn’t mean cancer is inevitable.
The good news is that many cancers can be prevented, detected early, or treated more successfully when you know what to watch for and take smart steps to reduce your risk.
This article will help you understand common cancers in older adults, key warning signs, and practical tips for lowering your cancer risk.
Why Cancer Risk Increases with Age
As we get older, cells in our bodies have had more time to undergo changes or mutations that can lead to cancer. Other factors include:
- Weakened immune systems
- Long-term exposure to environmental toxins or unhealthy habits
- Slower repair of damaged DNA
- Accumulated effects of chronic inflammation or illness
But while age is a risk factor, your choices still matter — even in your 60s, 70s, or beyond.
Most Common Cancers in Adults Over 55
1.
Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer)
- Who’s at risk: Men and women over 50
- Symptoms to watch for:
- Blood in stool
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Prevention:
- Get regular colonoscopies or stool-based screening
- Eat a high-fiber diet
- Avoid processed meats
- Stay physically active
2.
Breast Cancer (Women)
- Who’s at risk: Women over 50, especially with a family history
- Symptoms to watch for:
- New lumps or thickening in the breast or underarm
- Changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture
- Nipple discharge or inversion
- Prevention:
- Get mammograms every 1–2 years starting at 50
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol intake
- Discuss hormone therapy risks with your doctor
3.
Prostate Cancer (Men)
- Who’s at risk: Men over 55, especially African American men or those with a family history
- Symptoms to watch for (often no early symptoms):
- Difficulty urinating or weak stream
- Frequent urination at night
- Blood in urine or semen
- Prevention:
- Talk to your doctor about PSA testing
- Eat a diet rich in vegetables and low in red meat
- Stay active and maintain a healthy weight
4.
Lung Cancer
- Who’s at risk: Smokers and former smokers, people exposed to radon or secondhand smoke
- Symptoms to watch for:
- Chronic cough or hoarseness
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath or unexplained weight loss
- Prevention:
- Quit smoking — it’s never too late
- Avoid secondhand smoke and test your home for radon
- Get screened with a low-dose CT scan if you’re over 50 and smoked for many years
5.
Skin Cancer (including Melanoma)
- Who’s at risk: Everyone, especially those with fair skin or a history of sunburns
- Symptoms to watch for:
- Changes in moles (shape, size, color)
- New growths or sores that don’t heal
- Itchy, bleeding, or crusty skin spots
- Prevention:
- Use sunscreen year-round (SPF 30 or higher)
- Wear hats and protective clothing
- Get annual skin checks, especially if you’ve had previous sun damage
6.
Bladder Cancer
- Who’s at risk: Men over 55, smokers, those exposed to certain chemicals
- Symptoms to watch for:
- Blood in urine (even once)
- Pain or burning during urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Prevention:
- Don’t smoke
- Drink plenty of water
- Be aware of workplace chemical exposure
General Cancer Warning Signs to Watch For
While many symptoms depend on the type of cancer, you should talk to your doctor if you notice:
⚠️ Unexplained weight loss
⚠️ Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
⚠️ Pain that doesn’t go away
⚠️ A lump, thickening, or swelling
⚠️ Persistent cough or hoarseness
⚠️ Bleeding or bruising without reason
⚠️ Changes in bowel or bladder habits
⚠️ Changes in skin, moles, or lesions
Early detection is key — don’t dismiss symptoms as “just aging.”
Smart Steps to Reduce Cancer Risk After 55
Here are science-backed strategies to reduce your overall cancer risk:
🥗 1. Eat a Cancer-Fighting Diet
- Load up on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Limit red meat, processed foods, and sugar
- Choose lean proteins like fish, legumes, or poultry
🚭 2. Avoid Tobacco in All Forms
- Quitting smoking is the #1 preventable cause of cancer
- Even if you smoked for decades, quitting now improves your survival odds
🥂 3. Limit Alcohol
- No more than 1 drink per day for women, 2 for men
- Alcohol increases the risk for several cancers (liver, breast, mouth, colon)
🏃 4. Stay Active
- Aim for 30 minutes of moderate movement most days
- Helps maintain a healthy weight, boost immunity, and lower inflammation
⚖️ 5. Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Excess body fat is linked to 13 types of cancer, including breast and colon
- Ask your doctor about a safe weight-loss plan if needed
🩺 6. Get Regular Screenings
- Cancer is most treatable when caught early
- Stay up to date with mammograms, colonoscopies, PSA tests, skin exams, and other screenings based on your age and history
🧴 7. Protect Your Skin
- Avoid midday sun
- Use sunscreen and wear wide-brimmed hats
- Monitor skin regularly and report changes
💤 8. Get Enough Sleep
- Poor sleep weakens your immune system
- Aim for 7–8 hours a night
- Treat sleep apnea if diagnosed — it’s linked to increased cancer risk
🧘 9. Reduce Chronic Stress
- Long-term stress weakens immune defenses
- Use techniques like deep breathing, prayer, meditation, or walking in nature
Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Power
Cancer is not always preventable, but many cases are. And when cancer is caught early, it’s often treatable — even curable. Aging doesn’t mean you’re helpless; it means it’s time to be more proactive about your health.
You have more control than you think.
Speak with your doctor about your personal and family history, risk factors, and the screenings appropriate for your age. Prevention and early detection can truly save your life.