Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in the world. In fact, cancer can occur in anyone at any age—from toddlers to the elderly. However, around 60% of cancers occur in people aged 65 and above. Additionally, about 70% of cancer-related deaths happen in this age group. This means that older adults are at high risk of developing cancer. As a preventive measure, adults and seniors should avoid foods that may trigger cancer. Let’s take a look at which foods can increase cancer risk.
Foods That Can Cause Cancer in the Elderly
Although cancer is dangerous and life-threatening, it does not mean that cancer in adults and seniors cannot be prevented. One of the steps you can take is avoiding foods that may promote cancer cell growth. Here are the foods that seniors should watch out for:
Fast Food
Fast food that is high in fat, salt, and sugar should be avoided by seniors. Excessive consumption of fast food can trigger cancer, especially when combined with a lack of exercise and uncontrolled weight.
Preserved Foods
Preserved foods usually contain nitrates. Consuming large amounts of nitrate-containing foods can trigger colon cancer. Therefore, seniors should avoid foods with preservatives to reduce the risk of cancer.
Instant Foods
Instant foods are indeed more practical. However, they can negatively affect health if consumed regularly. These foods are often coated with bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical compound, as well as acrylamide.
Alcohol
The body breaks down alcohol into carcinogenic compounds known as acetaldehyde. This compound is known to weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to destroy cancer cells.
Fried Foods
Fried foods are cooked at very high temperatures. Additionally, they are typically coated in flour, which—when processed at high heat—can form carcinogenic compounds.
Red Meat
Frequent consumption of red meat can also cause cancer in seniors. According to several sources, studies have shown that excessive red meat intake increases cancer risk. The risk rises even further when red meat is cooked by grilling, frying, or roasting.
High-Sugar Foods
Consuming sugary foods too often leads to diabetes and obesity. Both conditions are strongly associated with inflammation, which can contribute to cancer development.
High-Salt Foods
As mentioned earlier, foods high in salt can also trigger cancer in seniors. Salt has carcinogenic effects that promote cancer cell growth. You may consume salty foods occasionally, but not too much or too often.
Types of Cancer Commonly Found in the Elderly
It is important to know that cancer comes in many types. However, some types occur more frequently in seniors. Here are three cancers that can affect people of all ages, including the elderly:
Lymphoma
This cancer of the lymphatic system attacks the lymph nodes. It is closely related to the type of white blood cells (lymphocytes). Lymphoma occurs when lymphocytes—normally responsible for fighting disease—undergo genetic mutations and become cancerous.
Symptoms include swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, fatigue, fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, weight loss, and itchy skin.
Leukemia
Leukemia is a type of cancer that attacks white blood cells, producing excessive amounts of them in the body. These abnormal white blood cells cannot function properly to fight infections.
Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, enlarged liver or spleen, excessive night sweats, infections, fever, easy bruising, and small red spots on the skin.
Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow that affects plasma cells—cells that help fight infection by forming antibodies. Normally, plasma cells produce antibodies in the blood. However, in cancer cases, these plasma cells become malignant.
Symptoms include pain in the spine, ribs, and hips; fatigue; high blood calcium levels; weight loss; dizziness; blurry vision; infections; numbness; and difficulty controlling urination.
