The biggest is probably smoking. About a third of all cancer deaths each year have something to do with tobacco use. Secondhand smoke appears to carry some risk, so offices and other places that maintain smoke-free environments are helping keep people healthier. Another big factor in cancer is diet. This one appears to be the hardest to control, for although we like to talk about eating well, the average American diet is still too high in fat and low in vegetables.
Doctors recommend getting at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
Doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center say dark green and dark yellow vegetables, like broccoli and sweet potatoes, contain a lot of beta carotene, which has been shown to help fight cancer. It's also a good idea to eat a lot of grains, particularly whole grains. A diet high in fiber is believed to help prevent colon cancer. There's no guarantee that if you follow these steps, you won't get cancer, but it certainly won't hurt your health to make these lifestyle adjustments. Other Topics Health Watch is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional.