4 Ways Seniors Can Prevent Colorectal Cancer

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Ways to Stave Off Colorectal Cancer in the Elderly in Barrie, ON

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting the elderly. Thankfully, there are a number of actions seniors can take to prevent this disease. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and getting regular screening tests, seniors have a better chance of preventing colorectal or colon cancer.

1. Adhere to Dietary Guidelines

Seniors can prevent colorectal cancer by following a healthy diet. Elderly people at risk for cancer should limit their intake of red meat and processed meats, which means less bacon, bologna, hamburgers, and steak. This might be a tall order for some meat aficionados, but it’s believed carcinogens may form when red meat is cooked at high temperatures. Red meat also contains iron, which can damage DNA. For seniors who eat red meat daily, cutting down is a must.

After cutting down on red meat consumption, it’s important to replace unhealthy foods with nutritious alternatives. Beans are a good substitute for meat, and fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a preventative diet. People who primarily eat plant-based foods are less likely to develop colon cancer.

Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elder care. Barrie, ON, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

2. Get Regular Screenings

Seniors at risk for colorectal cancer should get regular screening tests. There are a number of options, such as a fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and virtual colonoscopy. What these tests should involve and how frequently they need to be performed can vary, but they all offer important findings. They help doctors detect cancer while it’s still treatable and can also find abnormalities before they turn into cancer. Seniors should talk to their doctors about which screening option is best suited to their needs. 

3. Exercise

While eating right is the key to preventing cancer, it’s also important to maintain an active lifestyle. Physical fitness is an excellent preventive measure against cancer, as it promotes healthy biological effects that keep the colon healthy. Exercise slows the progression of colon cancer, and it can protect the gastrointestinal tract from harmful bile acids. It also boosts overall digestive health, which reduces the risk of colorectal cancer. To get the benefits of physical activity, seniors should try to exercise for at least two hours every week. 

Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of home care. You can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our holistic Balanced Care Method was designed to help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and our Cognitive Therapeutics Method offers mentally stimulating activities that can stave off cognitive decline and delay the onset of dementia.

4. Quit Smoking

When people think about the dangers of smoking, lung cancer probably comes to mind first. However, smoking isn’t linked to lung cancer only. It can also lead to colorectal cancer. The carcinogens in cigarettes harm DNA, and as people age, their bodies become less able to repair this damage. Seniors who want to stave off colorectal cancer should stop smoking. However, it can be difficult to quit smoking, especially if it’s an old habit. If your loved one has a hard time giving up smoking, he or she can seek help from medical professionals or support groups.

Preventing colorectal cancer and other serious ailments is essential for older adults who want to age in place. Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Barrie seniors can depend on. To create a customized care plan for your loved one, talk to one of our friendly Care Managers today at 647-970-3803.

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