5 Ways to Prevent Pancreatic Cancer in Aging Adults

With so much attention on other types of cancer, it seems as though pancreatic cancer gets overlooked. However, seniors should be aware this type of cancer rarely shows symptoms until it spreads. Taking these preventative actions may help seniors reduce their pancreatic cancer risk and boost their overall health. 

1.  Maintain a Healthy Weight

Pancreatic cancer is one of the many health conditions linked to obesity. Healthcare experts believe exercising regularly lowers the risk of pancreatic cancer in seniors. For this reason, you should encourage your aging loved one to perform some physical activity every day.  If your loved one needs help adopting healthier lifestyle habits to stave off cancer and other serious conditions, a home caregiver can be a wonderful asset. If you’re the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Irving, live-in care is available if your loved one’s health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

2. Avoid Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Toxic chemicals such as DDT have been linked to a higher risk of pancreatic cancer. Seniors who were once exposed to chemicals or still use any risky chemicals should let their doctors know and wear gloves and masks to minimize the health risk. 

3. Quit Smoking

Tobacco products weaken a senior’s immune system and are linked to many types of cancers. Seniors who have been smoking for many years should know it’s not too late to quit. If your loved one quits smoking, he or she may gradually experience a decrease in pancreatic cancer risk over the next several years. 

4. Switch to a Low-Fat Diet

High-fat diets may lead to heart disease and also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Your loved one should consider healthy food options such as lean meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables to keep cancer at bay.  Home caregivers can help seniors maintain optimal health and prevent a variety of illnesses. At-home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

5. Don’t Skip Medical Appointments

The symptoms of pancreatic cancer appear slowly. Seniors should visit their doctors regularly to identify and treat such symptoms on a proactive basis. Making healthy lifestyle changes is a great first step in preventing cancer and many other serious health conditions. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Irving elderly home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call (817) 591-1580 today.