The most common cancers in women are breast cancer, lung cancer and colon cancer. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the UK - it causes about a quarter of all deaths. Heart disease is more common. Cancer is more common in older people than in younger people. People who have a family history of a particular cancer are more likely to develop it themselves.
Examples are tobacco smoke, diet, alcohol, some chemicals, and many other aspects of lifestyle.
Diet is an important factor that may influence the risk of developing some cancers. Dietary factors may protect against or reduce the risk of cancer. Other factors may increase the risk of cancer. Usually, diet is only one of several factors involved. Studies have shown that high intakes of fruit and vegetables may reduce the risk of many different cancers, eg lung cancer and also cancers of the digestive system, eg colon cancer.