National Cancer Prevention Month: Tips to Reduce Risk
February is National Cancer Prevention Month! Every February, this month-long event aims to promote awareness and education about the importance of developing healthy lifestyle habits to reduce cancer risk.
5 Tips for Seniors to Reduce Cancer Risk
With 1,000 per 100,000 adults aged 60 and older getting diagnosed with cancer, it’s crucial for seniors to take action. While cancer isn’t something we can prevent, we can reduce our likelihood of getting it. Keep reading to learn five health tips to reduce your risk of developing cancer.
1. Protect Your Skin from UV Rays
Sun damage and UV-ray exposure will increase your chance of getting skin cancer. Luckily, it’s easy for seniors to protect their skin from the sun.
If you plan on spending time outdoors, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply it every two hours or after swimming.
Wear light-colored, long-sleeve clothing to boost your skin’s safety even more. Protect your face from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and oversized UV-protective sunglasses.
Lastly, avoid being in direct sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm during the summer. These are peak sunburn hours.
2. Consume More Plant-Based Foods
About 50% of preventable cancers are a result of our eating habits. If you’re not consuming enough fruits and veggies, now’s the time to start. Plant-based foods, including whole grains, beans, and nuts, can significantly lower your risk of cancer.
Aim to eat five to nine servings of plant-based foods every day.
3. Quit Smoking!
There are more than 250 deadly chemicals in tobacco smoke. Of those, 69 are directly linked to lung, mouth, throat, and larynx cancer. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of cancer. Your lungs will start healing within just minutes of smoking a cigarette.
There are many resources available that can help you quit smoking, including:
- Nicotine patches and gum
- Prescription medication
- Support groups
4. Move Your Body
Physical activity has numerous health benefits, including mitigating the risk of cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise at least five times weekly.
Take a brisk walk, do yoga, ride your bike, or take a senior-friendly fitness class. Working out with a friend is an enjoyable way to move your body while spending time together.
5. Add More Fiber to Your Daily Diet
Many experts recommend eating fiber to reduce the risk of cancer. Since your body can’t digest fiber, it helps remove cancer-causing compounds from its systems. Aim to eat 30 to 40 grams of fiber from plant-based foods daily. Some delicious fiber-rich foods to add to your diet include oranges, bananas, and apples.
Whip Up Delicious Cancer-Fighting Meals with Us!
Need help preparing nutritious meals? Visiting Angels of Southwest Oklahoma City’s in-home caregivers assist seniors with meal planning and preparation. They can also drive you to the supermarket, doctor’s appointments, and the gym.
We tailor our award-winning care services to your unique needs. This ensures you receive optimal in-home care.
To learn more, contact Visiting Angels of Southwest Oklahoma City today by calling (405) 703-7676. We serve the residents of Southwest Oklahoma City, Moore, Norman, Mustang, Union City, Blanchard, Tuttle, and Newcastle. We hope to hear from you!