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How To Reduce The Risk Of Pancreatic Cancer As You Age

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, almost 90% of Canadians who develop cancer are over the age of 50. More specifically, the average age upon receiving a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is 71. Pancreatic cancer is the 12th most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada, but it is the fourth leading cause of cancer related death.[1]

November marks World Pancreatic Cancer month. And although some of the statistics may be unsettling to hear, there are many things that can be done to reduce the risk of seniors developing pancreatic cancer. By working together with those providing elderly care and home health care, we can support senior loved ones as they aim to lead a long and healthy life.

Pancreatic Cancer

4 Tips To Promote Pancreatic Health

1. Stop Smoking Or Using Tobacco Products Of Any Kind

About 20%–30% of pancreatic cancers are related to smoking tobacco[2]. The risk increases with the number of cigarettes and the number of years you smoke. Seniors who have been smoking for many years should know it is not too late to quit. Once you quit, you will gradually experience a decrease in pancreatic cancer risk over the next several years.

2. Maintain A Healthy Body Weight

Seniors who are overweight or obese have a higher likelihood of developing pancreatic cancer. Make smart food choices by choosing poultry and fish over red meat, limit your daily meat intake and incorporate lots of fruits and vegetables into your diet. It is also important for seniors to stay physically active. One of the ways that iCare Home Health elderly care professionals are able to support the health and well-being of aging adults, is by ensuring they get regular exercise.

3. Check Your Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D has protective qualities against developing pancreatic cancer. It is an antioxidant that can destroy cancerous cells. Seniors should get outside for at least 15 minutes a day and eat a diet rich in vitamin D such as egg yolks and fish. If necessary, consider a supplement to ensure high levels of this critical nutrient.

4. Keep Regular Medical Appointments

It is important for seniors to visit the doctor regularly to be proactive and to report any symptoms or concerns as they appear. The symptoms of pancreatic cancer can appear slowly. Some of the more common symptoms to watch for include yellowing of the eyes and skin, discoloured urine and itchy skin.

Accessing Elderly Care To Support Health And Wellness

If you or your senior loved one needs help managing their health to reduce the risk of cancer or other serious conditions, contact iCare Home Health. Our professional home care providers support seniors living in Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Mississauga and have experience helping aging adults make healthier decisions that increase the longevity and quality of life. Call us to learn more – (905) 491-6941.

iCare Home health is a boutique, visionary home healthcare agency that leverages creative and innovative solutions to empower Canadians, young or old to recover from medical procedure or age with dignity in the comfort of their homes.

Our services include Friend at Home, Personal Support at Home, Nurse at Home and Advanced foot care at home or at one of our growing clinics sites.

Our Care Plans are individualized to client needs and preferences. Our team is passionate about the care they provide and strive to make a difference wherever the opportunity arises.

For more information, visit our website at www.icarehomehealth.ca or email us at info@icarehomehealth.ca.

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President of iCare Home Health Services, a community based, boutique home health care company dedicated to serving the needs of our customers to maintain their quality of life and dignity while they recover from illness or age at the comfort of their own home.

Posted in Cancer

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