As a family caregiver to an older adult, one diagnosis you may particularly fear for them is cancer. All types of cancer should be taken seriously, but some kinds are more common than others. The good news is that there are ways that you can help your aging relative to reduce their chances of getting cancer. In fact, some new research indicates that exercise may be the way to improve the chances of avoiding certain common kinds of cancer.
About the Research
The study was led by Charles Matthews, who is a senior investigator at the U.S. National Cancer Institute. To determine how exercise impacts cancer risk, Matthews and his team looked at information gathered from 750,000 people who took part in other studies.
Current guidelines for physical activity suggest that adults should get 3 to 5 hours of moderate exercise each week, or 1 to 3 hours of vigorous exercise. An example of moderate exercise is taking a brisk walk. Going for a run would count as vigorous exercise.
The researchers found that people who exercise for at least the recommended duration each week lowered their chances of getting cancer. And, the harder they exercised, the lower the risk.
According to the National Cancer Institute, exercise has several effects on the body that might explain the reduced risk of cancer, such as:
- Lowering the levels of certain hormones that affect the development of cancer.
- Preventing obesity, which has been linked to cancer.
- Improving the way the immune system works.
- Reducing inflammation.
5 Cancers that May Have a Reduced Risk with Exercise
Matthews’ study found a link between exercise and the reduced risk of these common forms of cancer:
- Colon Cancer: Moderate exercise reduced the risk for colon cancer by 8 percent. Vigorous exercise reduced it by 14 percent.
- Breast Cancer: The risk of breast cancer was reduced by 6 percent with moderate cancer and 10 percent with vigorous cancer.
- Kidney Cancer: Kidney cancer risk was reduced by 11 percent with moderate exercise and 17 percent with vigorous.
- Myeloma: Myeloma risk was reduced between 14 and 19 percent.
- Liver Cancer: Liver cancer risk was reduced between 18 and 27 percent.
How Senior Care Can Help Older Adults Get More Exercise
If your older family member isn’t getting enough exercise, senior care can help them to be more active. Senior care providers can take walks with the older adult, ensuring they don’t fall or get lost. Senior care providers can also drive them to a gym or other fitness facility to take an exercise class or use the exercise equipment. If the older adult prefers to exercise at home, a senior care provider can keep an eye on them, so they feel safer and don’t fear injury.
Sources
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20191226/regular-exercise-cuts-odds-for-7-major-cancers#1
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/obesity/physical-activity-fact-sheet
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Senior Care in Gulfport, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
