9 Ways Seniors Can Help Prevent Cancer

Vancouver Senior Health  |  August 12, 2021

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

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.

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 since your body responds positively as soon as you do.

Secondhand smoke contains over 60 known carcinogens, thus staying away from it can help you avoid 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 it is also one of the most preventable. Avoiding the midday sun and tanning facilities, as well as using sunscreen and protective clothing, can assist in limiting UV radiation exposure.

3. Eat a diverse range of fruits and vegetables.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of cancer and other disorders. Fruits and vegetables include antioxidants, which aid in the repair of our damaged cells. Eat more green, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables to help avoid cancer. Dark fruits like blueberries and grapes have also been found in trials to have anti-cancer properties. Numerous studies have found that 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 avoid 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 only 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 physical activity.

When you exercise, you lower your risk of developing a variety of cancers. For cancer prevention, the American Cancer Society suggests exercising for 30 minutes or more 5 days a week. Before beginning any workout regimen, always 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 counseling 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.

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When it comes to arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver, Comfort Keepers is the preferred choice for many families. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care, End of Life Care, Respite Care, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Comfort Keepers®’s trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

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Comfort Keepers® Brings You The Best Home Care Assistance Right Where You Live.

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide home care throughout Vancouver that keeps 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. 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against a set of quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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