Seniors face a greater risk of pancreatic cancer than younger adults. Home Care Philadelphia professionals share a few tips to help your senior loved one prevent pancreatic cancer and live a healthy life.
1. Prevent Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis occurs when pancreatic enzymes are activated and damage nearby tissues, resulting in severe inflammation. Some individuals experience pancreatitis once or twice in their lives. However, chronic pancreatitis can increase your elderly loved one’s risk of pancreatic cancer. Here are some of the ways your loved one can prevent pancreatitis and reduce the risk of cancer:
- Quit drinking alcohol
- Do not use tobacco products
- Avoid abdominal surgery
- Maintain low calcium levels in the bloodstream
2. Follow a Healthy Diet
To prevent pancreatic cancer, your senior loved one may need to switch to a low-fat and high-protein diet. These types of foods help protect cells from damage by free radicals. A low-fat and high-protein diet contains antioxidants that prevent the carcinogens aflatoxin and nitrosamine from forming.
Some foods that may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer include:
- Beans
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Fish
- Meat
- Tofu
- Yogurt
3. Don’t Use Tobacco Products
By smoking or using tobacco products, your senior loved one risks developing mutated cells in his or her pancreas. When the DNA is damaged, the cells can grow out of control and lead to cancerous tumors in the pancreas. Seniors can reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer if they stop using tobacco products.
4. Prevent Diabetes
Some medical conditions such as obesity and diabetes can make your loved one susceptible to pancreatic cancer. The pancreatic tissues in overweight people tend to produce more hormones such as insulin, which can cause cancer. Talk to your senior loved one’s doctor about weight loss or exercise programs. Your loved one should also have his or her blood sugar levels tested regularly to reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
A professional caregiver can encourage your loved one to adopt healthy habits that reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer and other serious conditions. At Home Care Assistance, our holistic approach to senior care includes healthy meal preparation, medication reminders, exercise, and social stimulation activities to boost your loved one’s health. We can also assist your loved one with a wide variety of daily activities. For high-quality live-in and respite care in Philadelphia, call (215) 645-4663.