The American Cancer Society recently put out a report that states the rate of deaths due to cancer in the United States has gone down 29 percent between 1991 and 2017. Experts believe that advancements in detection and treatment are part of the reason for the decline. A reduction in the number of people who smoke has also helped. Even with the reduction in cancer deaths, though, cancer is still the number two cause of death in the United States, right behind heart disease. There are ways you can help your older family member to reduce their chances of getting cancer, such as the tips below.
Quit Using Tobacco
Tobacco use of any kind (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, pipes, etc.) are all dangerous and seriously raise the chances of getting cancer. Some of the cancers that tobacco use has been linked with are cancers of the:
Even if your older family member has been smoking for years, it’s not too late to quit. A doctor can help them with smoking cessation techniques, including medications.
Senior care providers can also help older adults to quit using tobacco. Just by having another person present, the older adult may be less likely to use tobacco. In addition, senior care providers can suggest activities or offer conversation when your aging relative has an urge to use tobacco.
Skin cancer is more common than any other kind of cancer in the United States. Make certain your older family member uses sunscreen whenever they go outside, even in the winter months when the rays of the sun reflect off the snow.
Senior care providers can remind older adults to put sunscreen on before going out. A senior care provider can even help them to put it on.
Get Regular Medical Care
Seeing a doctor regularly can help to detect cancer in its early stages, which allows treatment to begin sooner. Early treatment of cancer increases the chances of a successful outcome. Talk to the older adult’s doctor about which kinds of cancer screenings are appropriate at their age and how often they are needed.
One of the things that may prevent an older adult from receiving regular medical care and cancer screenings is an inability to get to the appointments. Many older adults don’t drive because of poor vision or other medical problems. A senior care provider can be scheduled to drive them to medical appointments, screenings, and other places they need to go.
When you are in need of care for a senior loved one, consider caregivers provided by Golden Heart Senior Care. We have offices nationwide. For more information, call us today at (800) 601-2792.