Cancer Research UK main site

My Mum 88 YOA

GS57b
Offline

Hello everyone, Gary here, my mum who lives with me is 88 1/2 years of age.  She has a range of health issues and medications but most recently she has had a Q Fit test ordered by the GP, the score was 359, the GP then did a rectal examination which was found to be OK, he has now ordered a conolonoscopy at the hospital with red flag status.  In the meantime she has been placed on a 3-month course of anti-biotics.  Her sysmptoms are varied, connstipation and diarrea, one or the other most of the time and has been like this for months, low abdominal pain, pain in vagina for which she has cream for insertion.  She has very itchy skin almost all over her body.  I am concerned at her age that this is cancer, am I correct to be worried about this please?

  • Hi there Gary and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about your mum and the symptoms she has.

    This is understandably a worrying time for you and unfortunately it will only be further tests and her doctor who will be able to say what the matter might be.

    The symptoms she has are, of course, concerning but as I am sure you are aware, symptoms can be caused by many different things and it is only more in depth tests that can diagnose an exact cause. It is important more serious causes are ruled in or out as a possibility more quickly, which is why there is a fast track referral pathway.

    I really hope you know more soon but please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes to you and your mum

    Naomi

  • Offline in reply to CRUK Nurse Naomi

    If it were cancer is there an age cut-off point please?  Mum is 89 June 25

  • in reply to GS57b

    Hi there again

    If and when a cancer is diagnosed the treatment decisions are made on the type and stage of cancer alongside how fit and healthy a person is and if they are well enough to tolerate treatment.

    Age can sometimes play a part in treatment decisions but this is often because alongside cancer treatments come side effects and the benefits of treatment needs to be weighed up against the risks. For some patients it can do more harm in treating them rather than offering them supportive and palliative care where any symptom they may have can be treated and managed.

    As I say hopefully you will know more soon and if cancer is diagnosed a plan of what needs to happen next will be discussed with you.

    I hope this helps

    Naomi

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.