Colon cancer is third on the list of most common cancer in the United States, and about 140,000 people are diagnosed with the disease every year. Fortunately, the good news is that colon cancer in seniors can be prevented. About 75 percent of all colon cancer cases can be avoided by things that are in your control. At senior living communities like TerraBella Salisbury, we prioritize residents’ health and organize a range of activities where residents can take part to stay healthy. Read on to find out more about how older adults can prevent colon cancer.
Get Regular Screenings
One of the best ways to protect yourself from the disease is to have regular screenings for colon cancer. When this cancer is discovered early, it is in its most treatable stage and it is still manageable. There are different screening tests for colon cancer. The most important thing is to do these tests frequently. Generally, the recommended age to start screening is at 50 years old, although some guidelines recommend those 45 years to start screening.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking is extremely detrimental to your health and significantly raises the risk of getting serious diseases like emphysema, stroke, and even colon cancer. If you struggle with smoking, you can approach your doctor or call smoking helplines to find out practical steps you can take to walk towards a smoke-free life.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Another factor linked to increasing the risk of cancer is being overweight. About 11 cancers are linked to weight gain, including colon cancer. If you find that you are overweight, your first goal should be to stop gaining weight and slowly work to shed the pounds in a healthy manner.
Keep an Active Lifestyle
Keeping a lifestyle that is active can help to significantly lower the risk of getting many serious diseases, and this includes colon cancer. Furthermore, an active lifestyle can help to keep a healthy mindset and lift your spirits. A general rule of thumb is to aim for about half an hour of activity that is medium intensity every day. You can do things you love, such as gardening, cycling or dancing.
Limit Alcohol Intake
When consumed in moderation, alcohol has proven to be good for the heart. However, the overconsumption of alcohol can increase the risk of cancers, including colon cancer. It is important to drink in moderation. If you are a heavy drinker, you should aim to cut down on your alcohol intake.
Avoid Processed Meat and Red Meat
The risk of colon cancer increases if you consume too much red meat or processed meat. Red meat includes steak, hamburger, pork, and more, while processed meat includes bologna, sausage, and bacon.
At TerraBella Salisbury, our team of professionals prioritizes our residents and we strive to provide an environment where residents can stay healthy and happy. We also provide personalized plans for residents who require them. If you are interested to find out more about what we have to offer, feel free to contact us.
