5 Ways to Prevent Late-Stage Cancer as You Age
Are you worried about getting sick as you age or how you can minimize the risk of late-stage cancers as you grow older? Cancer can appear at any age, but your risk increases as you get older.
Fortunately, aging doesn't mean you have to be more susceptible to health challenges. At Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists in Arlington, Virginia, board-certified age management specialists John Huffman, MD, and Talal Ghazal, MD, believe that proactive measures today can help prevent many health concerns tomorrow.
If you’re hoping to enjoy the pink of health well into your golden years and prevent cancer as much as possible, keep reading to learn about five effective strategies that can help.
1. Have regular screenings and check-ups
It's essential to keep up with routine screenings and medical check-ups. Early detection plays a crucial role in managing and treating various conditions, including cancer.
Regular mammograms, prostate exams, colonoscopies, and skin checks can catch abnormalities in their initial stages when they're most treatable. By following the recommended screening guidelines, you can identify potential issues before they escalate.
2. Adopt a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle
What you eat significantly impacts your health. Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can reduce the risk of cancer. Steer clear of excessive alcohol, tobacco, and processed foods, which have been linked to various cancers.
Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and managing stress through techniques like yoga or meditation can further lower your risk. Your provider at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists can provide personalized tips.
3. Protect yourself from the sun
Excessive exposure to the sun can increase your risk of skin cancers, including melanoma. Be sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days or when you’re mostly indoors.
Wear sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, which emit ultraviolet (UV) rays just as harmful as the sun.
4. Stay up-to-date with vaccinations
Certain viruses can increase the risk of cancer. Hepatitis B and C can lead to liver cancer, while the human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to several types of cancer, including cervical and throat cancer. Staying updated with recommended vaccines can provide protection against these viruses.
5. See an age management expert
Age management is an evolving field focused on maintaining optimal health as you age. Instead of treating diseases or symptoms as they appear, age management emphasizes preventive care to keep health issues at bay.
Visiting an age management specialist doesn't just mean preventing cancer. It's about taking comprehensive steps to ensure that your golden years are as healthy and vibrant as possible.
By combining conventional medical practices with advanced therapies, age management offers a holistic approach to aging. Here are some age management therapies available at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists that could benefit you:
Regenerative medicine
Regenerative medicine comprises minimally invasive treatments, including stem cells, platelets, and natural growth factors. If you're grappling with chronic health issues or are living with the effects of an injury, this medicine can speed up recovery while potentially avoiding surgery.
IV therapy
With aging, your risk of vitamin deficiencies heightens. Intravenous (IV) therapy is an efficient way to replenish these vital nutrients.
During your treatment, a blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients directly enters your bloodstream. This process bypasses the digestive system, ensuring your cells absorb the nutrients more efficiently so you can enjoy the health benefits.
Hormone therapy
Natural hormone levels decline as we age. For women, menopause is the primary reason, while for men, andropause plays a significant role.
This imbalance can cause symptoms like hot flashes, reduced libido, and sleep disturbances. Hormone therapy, with either synthetic or natural hormones, effectively tackles these issues.
Consult a provider at Interventional Pain and Regenerative Medicine Specialists in Northern Virginia by scheduling an appointment online or over the phone to get started with personalized preventive strategies for protecting your health as you age.