By Dr. Aldo Moran, Market Medical Director, Flagship Health

National Cancer Prevention Month provides an opportunity to focus on practical, evidence-based steps that may reduce cancer risk and support long-term wellness. While advances in treatment have improved outcomes, prevention remains one of the most powerful tools available.

For seniors, cancer prevention is closely tied to maintaining independence, mobility, and overall quality of life. The National Library of Medicine reports 60% of cancers occur in people age 65 and older, making awareness especially important for older adults. Although not every cancer can be prevented, research consistently shows that certain lifestyle habits, routine screenings, protective measures, and vaccinations can significantly reduce risk or support earlier detection.

Cancer Risk and Aging

As the body ages, natural biological changes occur at the cellular level. Cells divide more slowly, DNA repair mechanisms may become less efficient, and the immune system’s ability to detect and eliminate abnormal cells can shift.

Because early cancer symptoms can sometimes resemble common age-related changes, they may be overlooked. Persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, new pain, changes in appetite, or alterations in bowel or bladder habits should be discussed with a healthcare provider rather than attributed solely to aging.

Importantly, preventive efforts remain beneficial in the senior years. Research shows that improvements in nutrition, physical activity, and other daily habits can reduce inflammation and support immune function, even later in life. Prevention should be viewed as an ongoing part of routine care, not something limited to earlier decades.

Preventative Lifestyle Choices

Daily habits play a meaningful role in influencing cancer risk. While genetics and age are factors that cannot be changed, many behavioral risks can be modified. Preventative lifestyle choices not only reduce cancer risk but also support heart health, cognitive function, bone strength, and metabolic balance.

Below are key areas where seniors can make informed adjustments.

Avoiding Tobacco

Tobacco use remains the leading preventable cause of cancer and is linked to 80-90% of lung cancer deaths. It is associated with cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, bladder, pancreas, kidney, esophagus, and several other organs. The harmful chemicals in tobacco damage cells directly and increase inflammation throughout the body.

Quitting smoking at any age provides measurable health benefits. Circulation improves, lung function stabilizes, and cancer risk gradually declines compared to individuals who continue smoking. Seniors who have smoked for many years may still experience improved breathing capacity and reduced cardiovascular strain after quitting.

Preventive steps include:

• Speaking with a healthcare provider about structured smoking cessation programs.
  
  
• Considering nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications when appropriate.
  
  
• Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke within the home and community.

Even after decades of tobacco use, stopping can positively influence long-term health outcomes.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of several cancers, including colorectal, kidney, pancreatic, endometrial, and postmenopausal breast cancer. Fat tissue influences hormone levels and inflammatory markers, which may contribute to cancer development.

As metabolism slows with age and activity levels change, maintaining a stable weight may require greater attention. Sustainable strategies may include:

• Preparing balanced meals that emphasize vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  
  
• Monitoring portion sizes and limiting foods high in added sugars and refined carbohydrates.
  
  
• Engaging in consistent physical activity suited to individual ability levels, such as walking, swimming, or chair-based exercises.
  
  
• Reviewing significant or unexplained weight changes with a healthcare provider.

The goal is not rapid weight loss but gradual, sustainable habits that preserve muscle mass and support mobility. Even modest reductions in excess weight can lower inflammatory markers and improve metabolic health.

Eating a Plant-Forward Diet

Nutrition plays a central role in supporting cellular health and reducing inflammation. Diets rich in plant-based foods provide fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that help protect cells from damage.

Practical dietary approaches include:

• Filling at least half of each plate with a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits.
  
  
• Choosing whole grains such as oats, quinoa, brown rice, or whole wheat bread instead of refined grains.
  
  
• Incorporating beans, lentils, or chickpeas regularly for plant-based protein and fiber.
  
  
• Limiting processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats.
  
  
• Reducing red meat intake and diversifying protein sources with fish or poultry.

Fiber intake is especially important for colorectal health. Adequate hydration further supports digestion and nutrient absorption. Over time, a plant-forward eating pattern supports not only cancer prevention but also cardiovascular and cognitive health.

Small adjustments, such as replacing one processed meal per week with a vegetable-based option, can build lasting habits without overwhelming change.

Limiting Alcohol

Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of cancers affecting the breast, liver, mouth, throat, and colon. The risk rises with both frequency and quantity of intake.

For seniors who choose to drink, moderation is recommended. Some individuals may benefit from avoiding alcohol altogether, particularly if they take medications that interact with alcohol or have liver or balance concerns.

Preventive considerations include:

• Limiting intake to recommended moderation guidelines.
  
  
• Incorporating alcohol-free days each week.
  
  
• Discussing alcohol use openly during medical appointments to evaluate individual risk.

Reducing alcohol intake may also improve sleep quality, cognitive clarity, and overall physical stability.

Health Screenings and Early Detection

Routine screenings are among the most effective strategies for detecting cancer early or identifying precancerous changes before cancer develops. Screening recommendations vary depending on overall health, medical history, and prior results.

Common screenings for seniors may include:

• Mammography for breast cancer, depending on overall health status and life expectancy.
  
  
• Colonoscopy or stool-based testing for colorectal cancer, which can detect and remove precancerous polyps.
  
  
• Cervical cancer screening for women who have not met criteria to discontinue testing.
  
  
• Low-dose CT scans for lung cancer in individuals with a significant smoking history.
  
  
• Professional skin examinations to evaluate new or changing lesions.

Screening decisions should be individualized and revisited periodically. Maintaining regular appointments and promptly reporting new or unusual symptoms supports early intervention when needed.

Sun Protection and Skin Cancer Prevention

Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in older adults, and the average age at melanoma diagnosis is 66 years. Although prior exposure cannot be reversed, protective habits can reduce additional damage.

Recommended protective measures include:

Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before outdoor activity. Reapplying sunscreen every two hours during prolonged exposure. Wearing wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and protective eyewear. Seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoiding tanning beds and intentional sunbathing.

Regular skin self-examinations help identify changes early. Monitoring for new growths, sores that do not heal, or changes in moles provides a structured approach to awareness.

Vaccinations and Cancer Risk Reduction

Certain viral infections are linked to increased cancer risk. Vaccination can reduce the likelihood of developing infection-related cancers and is an important, though sometimes overlooked, preventive tool.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical and throat cancers. While vaccination is most commonly administered earlier in life, some adults may remain eligible depending on age and vaccination history.

Hepatitis B infection increases the risk of liver cancer. Vaccination may be recommended for adults who were not previously immunized or who have specific risk factors. A blood test can clarify immunity status when records are uncertain.

Discussing vaccination history during routine medical visits ensures that preventive care remains comprehensive and up to date.

Supporting Long-Term Wellness Through Prevention

Cancer prevention plays an important role in helping seniors stay active, independent, and engaged in daily life. While not every cancer can be prevented, healthy lifestyle choices, routine screenings, sun protection, and recommended vaccinations can significantly reduce risk and support early detection. Small, consistent steps taken over time can make a meaningful difference in long-term health and stability.

At Flagship Health, we are committed to supporting seniors and veterans through comprehensive, personalized preventive care. Whether you are reviewing screening recommendations, discussing lifestyle changes, or addressing new health concerns, our team is here to help guide you.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our primary care services, contact us today.

About Dr. Aldo Moran

Dr. Aldo Moran is the Market Medical Director for Flagship Health in San Antonio, Texas. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Nova Southeastern University and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of the Incarnate Word in Laredo, Texas. Before his medical career, Dr. Moran served seven years in the U.S. Army, including deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he was an infantry squad leader and the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Defense operations. Fluent in English and Spanish, he has been practicing since 2019, focusing on diabetes and metabolism disorders, cardiovascular disease prevention, and preventive medicine.