5 Keys to Cancer Prevention in Florida

I can’t think of anyone in my world who has not been impacted by cancer in some way, shape, or form.

Cancer comes in a variety of forms and stages, and the very word generates feelings of fear and anxiety among patients and families.

As a Certified Senior Care Advisor and the President of Home Helpers Clearwater, I have had numerous opportunities to meet with seniors battling cancer and their family members to discuss ways a compassionate caregiver can help make their lives easier during and post-treatment.

With so many men and women contending with this dreadful disease in whatever form, I have found 5 keys to cancer prevention from our local cancer specialists at Moffitt Cancer Center, the only NCI-Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida that is committed to not only the cure but also the prevention of cancer. 

Moffitt recommends these 5 keys to cancer prevention:

• Maintain a healthy weight – “Making the right food choices and exercising are powerful strategies for preventing cancer. Studies show that obesity is linked to a higher risk of many types of cancer.” Moffitt recommends:
• Eat a primarily plant-based diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans
• Drink alcohol in moderation or not at all
• Limit red and processed meats
• Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine
• Eliminate tobacco – Smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to many types of cancer, including lung, mouth, throat, and pancreatic making tobacco a serious toxin. Avoid or eliminate tobacco in all forms. Consider joining a support group like the Tobacco Treatment Program offered at Moffitt. In addition, it’s important to avoid second-hand smoke whenever possible.
• Protect yourself from the sun – “Approximately one in 10 Floridians are diagnosed with skin cancer. Avoiding the sun in the sunshine state can be challenging but here are some tips you can take to protect your skin”
• Avoid the sun between peak hours of 10 am – 4 pm
• Wear waterproof SPF 30 or higher with UVA/UVB protection
• Cover your skin with long sleeves, a hat, and sunglasses
• Don’t use tanning beds or sunlamps
• Protect against HPV and Hepatitis C – “About 80% of Americans live with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine significantly decreases the risk of six types of cancer, including:
  • Cervical cancer
  • Anal cancer
  • Vaginal cancer
  • Vulvar cancer
  • Penile cancer
  • Head and neck cancer

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can cause a liver infection that if left untreated can become long-term. “It is important that people get screened, as hepatitis C is the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. Most people who are infected have no symptoms and don’t even know they are sick. And when symptoms do present, it is often a sign of advanced liver disease,” said Dr. Anna Giuliano, founding director of the Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer.

• Get regular cancer screenings – “Cancer screenings are used to detect certain types of cancer early, before any noticeable symptoms may begin. In most cases, the earlier cancer is detected, the more likely it is to be treated effectively.” 

National guidelines recommend the most appropriate age to be screened for certain cancers. However, in most cases, the answer may depend on your age, lifestyle, and history of cancer in your family. Moffitt offers breast, colon, and lung cancer screening services to healthy adults, and a referral is not required.

If cancer has impacted your life or the life of a loved one, I know it is scary and difficult. I employ exceptional, compassionate caregivers who help senior women and men every day, and they are always ready, willing, and able to help with transportation assistance to and from doctor appointments, cancer screenings, and treatments.

Additionally, these amazing Home Helpers® caregivers are highly trained to assist with personal care, light housekeeping, healthy meal planning and preparation, recuperative care, respite care for weary family caregivers, and so much more.

I gladly offer a FREE Consultation to identify specific ways we can help and develop a customized care plan to begin Making Life Easier℠ for you or your loved one coping with cancer.

We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Home Care Pulse Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providers in 2024, and to have received the Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award 2025, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice Award 2025, and the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience Award 2025, along with the Caring Super Star 2025 Award.

We proudly serve male and female seniors, veterans, and differently abled individuals in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Holiday, Hudson, Largo, New Port Richey, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Port Richey, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Seminole, Tarpon Springs, Trinity, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier® 727.942.2539

Source:

Moffitt Cancer Center