9 Ways Seniors Can Assist with Cancer Prevention

Victoria Senior Health  |  August 12, 2021

What Every Senior in Victoria, BC, Needs to Know About Cancer Prevention

Seniors and Cancer Prevention, what you need to know. Aging is the most significant risk factor for cancer development; nevertheless, many types of cancer can be significantly reduced by focusing on prevention measures. Many factors, such as heredity, have a part in cancer development, although many can be avoided willingly.

9 Ways Seniors Can Assist with Cancer Prevention

#1. Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke:

The most significant cancer risk factor is smoking. It is the cause of lung cancer, as well as a variety of other cancers. Smoking cessation or never starting is the best approach to help prevent cancer. The body responds as soon as you quit, so it’s never too late. Secondhand smoke contains more than 60 recognized carcinogens, so avoiding it can help you avoid cancer. These carcinogens are triggers that cause cancer by disrupting normal cell formation.

2. Protect yourself from the sun and monitor changes in your skin: 

Over one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Although it is the most common disease, accounting for over half of all cancer diagnoses, it is also one of the most preventable. Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, as well as avoiding the midday sun and tanning booths can help to reduce UV radiation exposure.

3. Consume fruits and vegetables:

A diet high in fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of cancer and other diseases. Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables, and they aid in the repair of damaged cells. To help prevent cancer, eat more green, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables. Dark fruits, such as blueberries and grapes, have also been shown to have anti-cancer benefits in studies. Numerous studies have found cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, brussels sprouts, and cabbage are particularly beneficial.

4. Limit your intake of red meat and animal fat: 

A high-fat animal-based diet raises the risk of various types of cancer, including colon cancer. Because red meat has a higher fat content than chicken and fish, cutting back on red meat in your diet may help you avoid cancer. Obesity is another risk factor for many types of cancer, and a high-fat diet is a primary cause of obesity.

5. Consume alcohol in moderation: 

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

6. Get some exercise: 

When you exercise, you lower your risk of developing cancer. For cancer prevention, the American Cancer Society suggests exercising for 30 minutes or more 5 days a week. Before beginning any workout regimen, always consult 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 he or she can offer the appropriate screenings and determine your true risk. Based on a family’s medical history, genetic testing and counselling may be recommended.

9. Get cancer screenings regularly: 

Cancer screening tests can aid in the detection and prevention of cancer. Abnormal cellular alterations can be detected using a colonoscopy and Pap smear before they become malignant. The fact that they are carried out regularly is the key to their efficiency. Other tests may help detect cancer early on, but not necessarily in preventing 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 Victoria, BC, is Comfort Keepers®

Firstly, if you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones, we can help with 24-hour care. We offer senior care, post-surgery care, palliative care, personal care, senior living transition services, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Victoria Provides In-Home Elderly Care Services

Aging in place means keeping seniors happy and healthy at home. Comfort Keepers® trained caregivers provide seniors with the highest quality of life possible. In particular, our Interactive Caregiving™ system provides care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria In-Home Caregivers Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Personal and empathetic care starts in the heart and allows us to meet our clients’ needs. Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit. Our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. 

Senior Homecare in Victoria, BC

Our unique services offer families respite care, overnight care, personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care. To learn more, contact the Comfort Keepers Victoria office.

Comfort Keepers® Victoria is Proud to Provide Senior Care and Home Care Services to Keep Seniors Safe in Their Homes

If you are searching for home care near you, we can help! Comfort Keepers® Victoria can provide home care for Victoria and surrounding areas. Service territory includes Colwood, Saanich, Sidney, James Bay, and Oak Bay. Please call (778) 265-5999 and learn how your loved ones can receive compassionate, professional in-home care.

Quality and Accredited Respite Care for British Columbia Families

Comfort Keepers® Victoria has achieved Exemplary Standing accreditation from Accreditation Canada. This accreditation, a rigorous evaluation of organizational processes, policies, and procedures against established quality standards by industry experts, signifies that Comfort Keepers’ offices have successfully met or surpassed the stringent benchmarks for Home Care companies as defined by Accreditation Canada.

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