When it comes to cancer risk, you may have more control than you think.
Recent studies show that lifestyle plays a bigger role than heredity in many common cancers.
In fact, the five cancers that claim the most lives share many modifiable risk factors, according to a report in a recent issue of the journal Cancer Causes and Control . These preventive measures include dietary changes, smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, weight control, and physical activity. Even though individual risk begins to take shape in adolescence, there's no time limit for making lifestyle changes. Plus, the combined effect of making several lifestyle changes is likely to reduce your overall cancer risk. To get the most out of your cancer prevention efforts, there are some simple steps you can take.