5 Steps Seniors Can Take to Reduce Cancer Risk
February is National Cancer Prevention month and it’s a fantastic time to learn about ways you and your senior loved one can reduce your risk of cancer. Seniors are the age group most affected by cancer. Most people who are diagnosed with cancer are over the age of 65. And considering that one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. the chances of a senior developing cancer are very high. It’s not always possible to prevent cancer. But there are lifestyle changes that seniors can make that can lower their risk of developing some kinds of cancers. Here are a few changes they can make, and how personal care at home can help:
Wear Sunscreen
Skin cancer is one of the more preventable types of cancer. Seniors should wear sunscreen on all exposed areas of the body whenever they go outdoors. Even if the weather is overcast wearing sunscreen is a good idea. And even in the winter sunscreen should be worn. Sunscreen protects the skin from damage caused by the UV rays of the sun. Those UV rays are damaging whether it’s summer or winter. If your senior loved one always forgets to put on sunscreen have their personal care at home provider make sure that they put on sunscreen when leaving the house.
Eat A Diet That’s Mostly Plants
Study after study proves that eating a diet that is mostly vegetables with some lean protein and healthy fats like avocado has big health benefits for everyone. But those benefits are especially significant for seniors. Switching to a diet that contains mostly vegetables and fruits will give seniors a healthy immune system that is capable of attacking cancer cells and defeating them when they pop up. It can be tough to get seniors to eat enough vegetables or to eat enough food at all but a personal care at home provider can help. Personal care providers for seniors do a great job of getting seniors to eat healthier by helping them plan, shop for, and cook healthy meals.
Get Treatment For Minor Illnesses
When minor illnesses and infections go untreated the body’s natural immune system must work around the clock to try and fight them off. That means that the immune system won’t have the power it needs to obliterate cancer in the early stages. If you notice that your senior loved one seems to be ailing or has a cut that could be infected get them seen by a doctor and get any medications that the doctor recommends.
Get More Vitamin D
Even though the research is still being done there is some evidence that large amounts of Vitamin D can help prevent cancer. Your senior loved one should be taking a Vitamin D supplement if their doctor recommends it to help prevent cancer.
Lose Weight
Being overweight or obese can increase the chances of developing some kinds of cancer. It’s very important for seniors to do whatever they can to stay at a healthy weight.
Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/the-10-commandments-of-cancer-prevention
https://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/older-adults/cancer-and-aging