March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. As a caregiver of an elderly loved one, these types of awareness months can be a great incentive for you and your family to learn more about the possible diseases that may affect your loved one’s health and to take steps to reduce the risks for your loved one when possible and set up services to assist them, such as personal care at home services.
What is Colorectal Cancer?
Colorectal cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the colon or rectum, and it is the second most deadly cancer there is. It is often called colon cancer as well. Abnormal growths, otherwise known as polyps, develop in the colon or rectum and then become cancerous.
Some common symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
- A change in bowel habits such as constipation, diarreaha or feeling like the bowel cannot empty completely.
- Blood in the stools.
- Cramps and abdominal pain that don’t go away.
- Unexpected weight loss.
Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer
While your loved one cannot change some risk factors related to colorectal cancer, such as being male, being over the age of 50, or being a specific race, other risk factors can be reduced for some individuals. These changeable risk factors are especially important if your loved one has other risk factors that they cannot alter.
- Obesity. Being overweight, especially in men, increases the risk of colorectal cancer.
- Those who have type 2 diabetes mellitus are at a higher risk of colorectal cancer because of their high levels of insulin.
- Those who have a diet that is high in red meat and processed meat (such as lunchmeats or hot dogs), and low in fresh vegetables and fruit, have an increased risk.
- Smoking tobacco increases the risk of colon polyps, which then increases the risk of cancer developing from those polyps.
- Heavy alcohol use is also linked to colorectal cancer.
Reducing the Risk of Colorectal Cancer
The main key to reducing the risk of colorectal cancer is leading a healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with lean meats such as chicken and fish. It also entails keeping at a healthy weight and making exercise a regular part of each day if possible. In addition, quitting destructive habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol drinking is important for prevention. Finally, getting regularly screened for colorectal cancer can help ensure that any polyps are discovered before they become cancerous.
If Colorectal Cancer Happens to Your Loved One
Sometimes, despite all your best efforts to keep your elderly loved one healthy and cancer free still doesn’t work, and you are now responsible for providing care while your loved one goes through cancer treatment. It can be a lot for everyone involved, so getting some help with your loved one’s personal care at home can help both of you throughout the treatment process. A trained home care provider can offer personal care at home by assisting your loved one with daily care activities like bathing and hair care. Personal care at home providers can also step in and assist with meals or medication management.
Remember to wear blue this March to recognize National Colorectal Cancer Month and take steps to reduce the risk of your loved ones developing it.
Source: https://colorectalcancer.org/get-involved/advocate/colorectal-cancer-awareness-month
If you or an aging loved one is considering Personal Care at Home Services in Newton, MA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Care Resolutions, Inc. today at (508) 906-5572
CARE Resolutions, Inc. provides quality 24-Hour Home Care for seniors and families in Walpole, Dover, Wellesley, Framingham, Norfolk, Quincy, Weston, Medfield, Boston, Sherborn, MA, and surrounding areas.
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