Prevent Cancer with these 9 Tips for Seniors

Vancouver Senior Health  |  August 12, 2021

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC, Needs to Know About How to Prevent Cancer

Prevent Cancer | Although aging is a significant risk factor for cancer, many types of cancer can be considerably lowered by focusing on prevention strategies. Many factors, such as heredity, play a role in the development of cancer, although many can be prevented voluntarily.

9 Tips for Seniors to Prevent Cancer

1. Don’t smoke and stay away from people who smoke.

Smoking is the most significant cancer risk factor. Lung cancer, as well as several other cancers, are caused by it. To help prevent cancer, the best method is to quit smoking or never start. It’s never too late to quit smoking since the body responds positively as soon as you do.

Secondhand smoke contains over 60 known carcinogens, thus staying away from it can help you prevent cancer. Cancer growth is triggered when normal cell creation is disrupted by chemicals contained in cigarette smoke.

2. Keep an eye out for any changes in your skin and protect yourself from the sun.

Every year, about one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer. It is the most common cancer, accounting for more than half of all cancer diagnoses, but also one of the most preventable. Avoiding the midday sun and tanning facilities, and using sunscreen and protective clothing, can assist in limiting UV radiation exposure and help prevent cancer.

3. Eat a diverse range of fruits and vegetables.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help prevent cancer and other disorders. Fruits and vegetables include antioxidants, which aid in the repair of damaged cells. Eat more green, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables to help prevent cancer.

Dark fruits like blueberries and grapes have also been found to have anti-cancer properties. Numerous studies have found cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, brussels sprouts, and cabbage are particularly beneficial.

4. Consume red meat and animal fat in moderation.

A high-fat animal-based diet raises the risk of various types of cancer, including colon cancer. Because red meat is fatter than chicken and fish, reducing your intake of red meat may help you prevent cancer. Obesity is a risk factor for a variety of cancers, and a high-fat diet is a major contributor to obesity.

5. Drink alcohol in moderation.

Drinking large amounts of alcohol regularly raises the risk of developing a variety of cancers. According to studies, males who consume two alcoholic drinks per day and women who drink one alcoholic drink per day have significantly higher risk factors for some cancers. Less alcohol can help to prevent cancer.

6. Get some physical activity.

When you exercise, you lower your risk of developing a variety of cancers. The American Cancer Society suggests exercising for 30 minutes or more 5 days a week to help prevent cancer. Before beginning any workout regimen, always check with your doctor.

7. Be aware of your surroundings.

Chemical exposure raises the risk of developing a variety of cancers, including kidney and bladder cancer. If you are exposed to fumes, dust, chemicals, or other potentially harmful substances, you should look into ways to decrease or eliminate your exposure. Carcinogens include gasoline, diesel exhaust, arsenic, beryllium, vinyl chloride, nickel chromates, coal products, mustard gas, and chloromethyl ethers.

8. Know your medical history, both personal and familial.

Hereditary cancers include breast, colon, ovarian, and other forms. Tell your doctor if certain cancers run in your family so they can offer appropriate screenings and determine the risk. Based on a family’s medical history, and genetic testing mental well-being counselling may be recommended.

9. Get cancer screenings regularly.

Cancer screening tests can aid in the detection and help prevent cancer. Using a colonoscopy and Pap smear abnormal cellular alterations can be detected before they become malignant. Other tests may help detect cancer early on, but not necessarily prevent it. Digital rectal exams are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests can help detect prostate cancer early. Breast cancer can also be detected with mammograms and other imaging technologies, and the survival rate is improving.

The Best Senior Home Care Provider in Vancouver, BC, is Comfort Keepers®

Many families prefer Comfort Keepers® when arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver, British Columbia. 

If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. Comfort Keepers Vancouver also provides home care services like respite care, overnight care, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care, personal care, and more! 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Companion Care and Interactive Caregiving™

Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Comfort Keeper’s philosophy is to elevate the human spirit, and our caregivers ensure your loved one experiences a better quality of life.

Trained caregivers help provide our senior clients with personal home care to help maintain the highest possible quality of life, keeping them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ delivers a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Bring The Best Home Care Assistance for Seniors Right Where You Live with Comfort Keepers®

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide elder care in homes throughout Vancouver, keeping seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Vancouver and the surrounding areas of Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Richmond. Please call (604) 689-8609. 

Personal Care and Senior Homecare in Vancouver, BC

Learn more about our unique service, which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers® Vancouver office.

Accredited and Quality Respite Care Available 24/7 for British Columbia Families

Accreditation Canada has awarded Comfort Keepers® Vancouver with Exemplary Standing. This designation is only achieved after an organization’s policies, procedures, and processes undergo a thorough evaluation by industry experts to ensure they meet or exceed the stringent quality standards set by Accreditation Canada for Home Care companies.

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