While there is still no scientific explanation as to why older adults are more susceptible to cancer, it is proven through many studies that aging is the biggest risk factor for this life-threatening disease. When you reach the age of 50, your risk increases significantly. And do you know that 50% of all cancer cases occur at the age of 66?

Furthermore, another 25% occurs in individuals from age 65 to 74. These figures are truly indicative that seniors are more susceptible to cancer. Some forms of cancer affect other age groups more predominantly, like bone cancer which affects those younger than 20, and neuroblastoma which is more common in children.

There are various theories explaining why cancer predominantly affects older people. One of these theories suggests that the prolonged exposure of seniors to carcinogens is the main culprit. These carcinogens include radiation, ultraviolet rays, pollutants in the environment, and chemicals in the food that we eat. Yes. The food that we ingest can predispose us to cancer. Seniors, with their risk of getting cancer at a high level, should know what to eat and not help do away with cancer.

There is no single anti-cancer diet yet. It is best to go for a plant-based diet that is rich in antioxidants that destroy cancer-causing free radicals in the body. Here are some of the foods that seniors like you should be taking and those that you should not will help you avoid cancer:

Cancer-Fighting Foods:

Cruciferous Vegetables

Vegetables included in this group include kale, broccoli, and cauliflower. These vegetables contain sulforaphane, a compound with anti-cancer properties that can inhibit cancer cell growth and cause death to colon cancer cells. When combined with genistein which is present in soybeans, it can help fight breast cancer.

Tomatoes

As men age, they are predisposed to prostate cancer. This should be the time to consume more tomatoes. Tomatoes are rich sources of lycopene, which can moderately protect men from prostate cancer. If you are a male senior, start ingesting tomatoes now, whether raw or cooked.

Garlic

Instead of going for food deliveries and going to restaurants, cook your own meals and make sure that you add more spices like garlic, onion, and shallots. They are all excellent in warding off colon cancer. Garlic particularly is good against bowel cancer. Besides its anti-carcinogenic properties, your food will be more flavorful.

Carrots

Carrots can be cooked in several ways, like adding them as an ingredient to home-cooked dishes, cakes, and snacks. This way, you can be assured of taking advantage of its antioxidant contents, including various vitamins and minerals, and fibers that are said to be excellent for cervical and bowel cancer.

Citrus Fruits

There are many enjoyable ways to take citrus fruits and take advantage of their health benefits. According to studies, citrus fruits can reduce the risk of esophageal and stomach cancer.

Wholegrains

Taking whole grains such as wholegrain bread, brown rice, quinoa, oats, and rye, among others helps in protecting you against colorectal cancer. Make it a daily habit and improve your digestion and blood cholesterol levels.

Apples

It’s true that an apple a day can keep the doctor away. With its many health benefits, eating apples regularly can give us protection from various ailments. They contain polyphenols, which are effective cancer-fighting substances. Other fruits that are also rich in antioxidants are berries.

Cancer-Causing Foods:

Processed Meat

Do you know that processed meats are classified as Group 1 carcinogens? This should warn us from consuming more of this food group or avoid them if we can. They can cause colorectal and stomach cancer. Examples of processed meat are hotdog, corned beef, canned meatloaf, and many others.

It may be alarming that red meat is also considered as carcinogenic. You should start limiting your consumption as evidence shows that red meat can cause colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

Salted Fish

Just like processed meat, salted fish is also considered a Group 1 carcinogen. Preserving fish following this method allows the production of carcinogenic by-products that can cause various cancer in the digestive tract.

Alcohol

Everybody knows the ill effects of alcohol when taken excessively. The risk of getting cancer from alcohol is dose-dependent, so it is really important to lessen your alcohol consumption to as little as possible. Alcohol is also in Group 1 of carcinogens and is capable of causing cancer in the mouth, esophagus, throat, stomach, intestine, breast, bowel, and liver.

Fast Foods and Processed Foods

These food groups are generally laden with fats and preservatives which are not good for our health. Limiting our intake of these foods can help us maintain normal weight and avoid health risks associated with being fat.

Cancer is a dreaded disease, and so, you should avoid it at all cost. By simply knowing which food to eat and what not to, you can certainly reduce the risk of this illness.