National Cancer Prevention Month
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, a time to reflect on the ways we can lower our cancer risk as we age.
Making informed, everyday choices – even if small – can meaningfully reduce cancer risk. Being proactive about lifestyle choices and preventive measures leads to better health outcomes and improved quality of life.
The good news? It’s never too late to start making small changes toward a healthier future.
This guide outlines six practical ways seniors can lower their cancer risk and support healthier aging in 2026.
Is Cancer Preventable for Seniors?
No type of cancer is 100% preventable. However, some types of cancers are more preventable than others by modifying lifestyle factors.
The American Cancer Society states that almost half of all deaths related to cancer in the U.S. are connected to lifestyle choices, including:
- Poor diet
- Physical inactivity
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol consumption
- Sun exposure and more
By addressing these risk factors, seniors can take meaningful steps toward prevention.
Most Preventable Cancers
According to the University of Kansas Cancer Center, the nine most preventable cancers (which are linked to preventable risk factors) are as follows:
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Skin cancer
- Testicular cancer
Keep reading to learn numerous ways seniors can lower their risk of developing these cancers and others.
Most Common Types of Cancer in Seniors
According to Moffitt Cancer Center, some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in seniors include:
- Bladder cancer
- Lung cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
While cancer can affect people at any age, the risk increases over time. Recent studies show that over two-thirds of newly diagnosed cancers affect people ages 60 and older.
Why are Seniors More Likely to Develop Cancer?
Moffitt Cancer Center explains that as we age, our bodies accumulate long-term exposure to environmental and lifestyle risk factors.
These include:
- UV radiation
- Chemical toxins
- Tobacco exposure
- Chronic inflammation
- Excess body weight
- Long-term dietary habits
Over time, these exposures can lead to DNA damage and cellular mutations — increasing the likelihood of cancer development.
6 Ways Seniors Can Lower Cancer Risk
The following are five practical ways seniors can lower their risk of developing cancer.
1. Stay Physically Active
Regular movement is crucial in all aspects of health. It is especially helpful for lowering the risk of certain diseases, including cancer. Fitness helps seniors regulate hormones, strengthen the immune system, and maintain a healthy weight. These factors all play a role in cancer prevention.
Seniors don’t need intense workouts to benefit from exercise. Consistent, low-impact activity that is sustainable for a lifetime makes a significant difference.
Examples of exercise for seniors include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Stretching
- Yoga
- Light strength or resistance training
Seniors should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, if medically appropriate. Be sure to talk to your doctor to discuss what types of exercise are appropriate for you.
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body weight has been linked to increased risk for several cancers, including:
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer (post-menopausal)
- Pancreatic cancer
- Endometrial cancer
Maintaining a healthy weight helps regulate insulin levels and reduce inflammation — both of which are associated with cancer development.
Small steps matter for maintaining a healthy weight. Simple tips can be the most effective:
- Eat balanced portion sizes
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Limit processed foods as much as possible
3. Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
A diet rich in whole foods can help protect against cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research shares some of the many foods that have cancer-fighting properties:
- Apples
- Asparagus
- Blueberries
- Broccoli and cauliflower
- Brussels sprouts
- Carrots
- Cherries
Seniors can focus on the following food groups to promote a healthier diet:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats
On the other hand, seniors should limit the following food items to reduce their risk of cancer:
- Processed meats like sausage, bacon, and hot dogs
- Sugary beverages like soda and juice with added sweeteners
- Highly processed foods like chips and candy
Plant-forward diets have been associated with reduced cancer risk and improved overall health outcomes. Limiting red meat consumption can have many cancer-preventing benefits.
4. Keep Up With Preventive Screenings
Early detection saves lives. Routine screenings can catch cancers early, when they are often more treatable.
Important preventive screenings for cancer may include:
- Mammograms
- Colonoscopies
- Prostate exams
- Skin checks
- Lung cancer screenings
Staying up to date with screenings is one of the most powerful preventive steps older adults can take. Click here to learn more about other preventive care measures seniors can take to be proactive in their health as they age.
5. Avoid Tobacco & Limit Alcohol
According to the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina, one of every three cancer deaths in the U.S. is related to smoking. Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of cancer — especially lung, throat, and bladder cancers.
Luckily, it’s never too late to quit smoking. Programs like Tobacco Free Florida, UF Tobacco Cessation Program, West Florida AHEC, and many more exist to help people stop smoking.
Similarly, limiting alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of:
- Breast cancer
- Liver cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Even just reducing alcohol intake can have measurable health benefits and lower cancer risk.
6. Protect Your Skin from UV Exposure
Skin cancer is one of the most common — and most preventable — cancers in older adults.
Years of accumulated sun exposure can significantly increase risk later in life. This is especially true for seniors living in Florida, South Carolina, and other southern states with strong UV rays.
Even if sun protection wasn’t a priority in the past, it still matters now.
Simple habits can make a big difference in reducing skin cancer risk:
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily (SPF 30+)
- Use protective clothing like hats and long sleeves
- Avoid peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM)
- Schedule annual skin checks
Early detection is key, especially since skin changes may be harder to notice with aging skin.
Consistent sun protection helps reduce the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers, while also supporting overall skin health.
Supporting Healthy Aging
Lowering cancer risk isn’t just about prevention. It’s about supporting long-term independence, wellness, and quality of life.
Taking proactive steps today can help seniors maintain both health and independence for years to come.
Senior Living and Cancer Prevention
As health needs evolve, some seniors benefit from environments that make healthy living easier. Most senior living communities have built-in supports for positive lifestyle habits that lower cancer risk, including:
- Structured wellness programs
- Fitness classes
- Nutritious meals
- Social activities
- Health education workshops
If your loved one would benefit from these built-in, health-promoting supports, Senior Consulting Advisors can help them find their perfect community.
Whether it’s independent living, assisted living, or memory care, our local advisors can help families find their best senior living community option to live a life full of health and wellness. Our services are at no cost to seniors and families.
To discuss your loved one’s health and safety and get free guidance, call our senior care experts at (800) 969-7176 or send us a message on SeniorConsultingAdvisor.com.
