There is strong evidence that eating whole grains protects against colorectal cancer, and that eating foods containing dietary fiber protects against colorectal cancer, weight gain, overweight, and obesity, which, as described above, increases the risk of many cancers.

Most of the evidence on fast foods is from studies looking at burgers, fried chicken, French fries, and high-calorie drinks containing sugar, such as soda; or unhealthy fats, such as shakes. Limit red and processed meat. Processed meat has been transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or other processes to enhance flavor or improve preservation.

Although these products are often made from red meat i. While both red and processed meat were suggested to increase the risk of a number of other cancers , the evidence was most convincing for colorectal cancer.

Because meat can be a valuable source of nutrients, in particular protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, the recommendation is to limit rather than completely avoid minimally processed red meat.

However, poultry and seafood are generally healthier sources of protein as well as many of these other nutrients. Very little, if any, processed meat should be consumed. Limit sugar-sweetened drinks. As noted above, obesity increases the risk of many cancers. Avoiding tobacco and excess sun exposure The recommendations also emphasize that not smoking and avoiding other exposure to tobacco and excess sun are also important in reducing cancer risk.

Cancer survivorship With improved early detection and availability of more advanced treatment options, people diagnosed with cancer are living much longer.

Research on the effects of diet, nutrition, and physical activity on the risk of cancer in cancer survivors is growing, but much more limited than that on risk.

Therefore, the lifestyle recommendations mentioned above emphasize that all cancer survivors should receive nutritional care and physical activity guidance from trained professionals. References WHO — International Agency for Research on Cancer. pdf Ullrich A. Cancer Control: Knowledge Into Action: WHO Guide for Effective Programmes.

World Health Organization, Continuous Update Project Expert Report Emerging cancer trends among young adults in the USA: analysis of a population-based cancer registry. The Lancet Public Health. Wolin KY, Yan Y, Colditz GA, Lee IM. Physical activity and colon cancer prevention: a meta-analysis.

British journal of cancer. Wu Y, Zhang D, Kang S. Physical activity and risk of breast cancer: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Breast cancer research and treatment. Eliassen AH, Hankinson SE, Rosner B, Holmes MD, Willett WC. Physical activity and risk of breast cancer among postmenopausal women.

Archives of internal medicine. Tremblay MS, Aubert S, Barnes JD, Saunders TJ, Carson V, Latimer-Cheung AE, Chastin SF, Altenburg TM, Chinapaw MJ.

Sedentary behavior research network SBRN —terminology consensus project process and outcome. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.

Washington, DC: U. Department of Health and Human Services, Schwingshackl L, Hoffmann G. Diet quality as assessed by the Healthy Eating Index, the Alternate Healthy Eating Index, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension score, and health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Grosso G, Bella F, Godos J, Sciacca S, Del Rio D, Ray S, Galvano F, Giovannucci EL. Possible role of diet in cancer: Systematic review and multiple meta-analyses of dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, and cancer risk.

Nutrition reviews. Ervik M, Lam F, Ferley J, et al. Cancer Today. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Studies show these antioxidants protect the body from cell damage that could lead to skin cancer, as well as cancers of the bladder, lung, breast and esophagus.

The grape's skin has the most antioxidants, so be sure to leave the grape intact. Grapes Grapes are a rich source of the antioxidant resveratrol.

Studies show that resveratrol has the potential to possibly stop cancer from starting in the breast, liver, stomach and lymphatic system. Red and purple grapes have significantly more resveratrol than green grapes. Broccoli These mighty greens are in the cruciferous vegetable family, along with cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and kale.

Studies show that broccoli and its family members have special plant compounds that may protect the body from stomach cancer, as well as cancers of the mouth, pharynx, larynx and esophagus. Tomatoes The tomato gets its classic red hue from an antioxidant called lycopene.

Studies show that lycopene has the potential to fight prostate cancer. The evidence is even stronger for processed tomato products like tomato sauce and even ketchup.

Grocery store shelves are filled with grains and grain products. But not all grains are great for your health. Whole grains are loaded with fiber, vitamins, minerals and plant compounds and may curb your cancer risk.

The fiber found in whole grains helps you stay full longer, maintain a healthy weight, and keep your cholesterol and blood sugar stable. Request an appointment at MD Anderson's Lyda Hill Cancer Prevention Center online or call My Chart.

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August : 5 foods that help lower your cancer risk. Eat berries that are fresh, frozen or dried. Serving Size: ½ cup Toss some raspberries in with your morning yogurt or cereal. Make a low-fat strawberry smoothie for a quick, healthy snack. Bake some delicious oatmeal blueberry muffins for a meal-on-the-go.

Serving Size: About 15 grapes Grab a handful as a snack or add to a salad. Mix them in with your favorite, low-fat chicken salad recipe.

Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least five days a week can make a big difference in your general health and well-being. Make it a priority to move more and sit less.

If you spend most of your time at work sitting at a desk, for example, find a way to get up and move around every hour. Physical activity is linked to a lower risk of colorectal, breast and endometrial cancers, and there is some evidence that also links it to reducing the risk of other cancers.

Add exercise to your routine to reduce stress, increase energy, boost your immune system, control your weight and reduce your risk of cancer. Certain types of the human papillomavirus HPV can cause cervical cancer , oropharyngeal cancer cancer of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils and at least four other types of cancer.

The hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses can be spread from person to person through sex or blood for example, by sharing needles and syringes for injection drug use. The hepatitis B or C viruses can cause long-term liver infection that can increase your chance of developing liver cancer.

Avoid risky behaviors and practice safer sex to decrease your risk of hepatitis B or C and liver cancer.

Getting vaccinated can protect you from certain viruses that are linked to certain cancers. One of these viruses is HPV. In the U. While there is no vaccine at this time for hepatitis C, a hepatitis B vaccine is available and is recommended for all children and adults up to age 59, as well as adults age 60 and over who are at high risk for hepatitis B infection.

Testing and treatment are available for both hepatitis B and C. Ways to Prevent Cancer Learn More. Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer Colorectal Cancer Liver Cancer Lung Cancer Oral Cancer Prostate Cancer Skin Cancer Testicular Cancer.

Ways to Prevent Cancer Did you know that many choices you make every day can lower your risk for several types of cancer? Download A Guide to Preventing Cancer Take Screening Quiz.

Know Your Family Medical History and Get Recommended Cancer Screenings Share your family history with your health care provider and discuss cancer screenings. Protect Your Skin from the Sun Skin cancer is the most common—and the most preventable—cancer diagnosis in the U.

Eat a Plant-Based Diet Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains, limit red meat and foods high in salt and cut out processed meats. Limit Alcohol Drinking alcohol is linked to several cancers, including breast , colorectal , esophageal, oral and liver cancers.

Maintain a Healthy Weight and Be Physically Active Obesity is linked to many cancers, including those of the endometrium, liver , kidney, pancreas, colon , breast especially in post-menopausal women and more. Practice Safer Sex and Avoid Risky Behaviors Certain types of the human papillomavirus HPV can cause cervical cancer , oropharyngeal cancer cancer of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils and at least four other types of cancer.

Even being around secondhand smoke might increase the risk of lung cancer. But it's not only smoking that's harmful.

Chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the mouth, throat and pancreas. Staying away from tobacco — or deciding to stop using it — is an important way to help prevent cancer.

For help quitting tobacco, ask a health care provider about stop-smoking products and other ways of quitting. Although eating healthy foods can't ensure cancer prevention, it might reduce the risk.

Consider the following:. People who eat a Mediterranean diet that includes extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts might have a reduced risk of breast cancer.

The Mediterranean diet focuses mostly on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. People who follow the Mediterranean diet choose healthy fats, such as olive oil, over butter.

They eat fish instead of red meat. Being at a healthy weight might lower the risk of some types of cancer. These include cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney.

Physical activity counts too. Besides helping control weight, physical activity on its own might lower the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer.

Doing any amount of physical activity benefits health. But for the most benefit, strive for at least minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of hard aerobic activity.

You can combine moderate and hard activity. As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine. More is better. Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer and one of the most preventable.

Try these tips:. Protecting against certain viral infections can help protect against cancer. Talk to a health care provider about getting vaccinated against:. Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. Adults at high risk of getting hepatitis B are people who have sex with more than one partner, people who have one sexual partner who has sex with others, and people with sexually transmitted infections.

Others at high risk are people who inject illegal drugs, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might have contact with infected blood or body fluids.

Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviors that can lead to infections that, in turn, might increase the risk of cancer. For example:. Practice safe sex.

Limit the number of sexual partners and use a condom. The greater the number of sexual partners in a lifetime, the greater the chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection, such as HIV or HPV.

People who have HIV or AIDS have a higher risk of cancer of the anus, liver and lung. HPV is most often associated with cervical cancer, but it might also increase the risk of cancer of the anus, penis, throat, vulva and vagina.

Doing regular self-exams and having screenings for cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, cervix and breast — can raise the chances of finding cancer early. That's when treatment is most likely to succeed.

Ask a health care provider about the best cancer screening schedule for you. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

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Products and services. Cancer prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk Concerned about cancer prevention? By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Cancer prevention overview PDQ — Patient version.

National Cancer Institute. Accessed Oct. Lewandowska AM, et al. Cancer prevention — Review paper. Annals of Agriculture and Environmental Medicine. Colditz GA.

Overview of cancer prevention. Fletcher GS.

Swapping out other oils in your diet for olive oil is a simple way to take advantage of its health benefits. You can drizzle it over salads and cooked vegetables, or try using it in your marinades for meat, fish or poultry. Though these studies show that there may be an association between olive oil intake and cancer, there are likely other factors involved as well.

More studies are needed to look at the direct effects of olive oil on cancer in people. Summary Several studies have shown that a higher intake of olive oil may be associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer.

Turmeric is a spice well-known for its health-promoting properties. Curcumin, its active ingredient, is a chemical with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and even anticancer effects.

One study looked at the effects of curcumin on 44 patients with lesions in the colon that could have become cancerous. In a test-tube study, curcumin was also found to decrease the spread of colon cancer cells by targeting a specific enzyme related to cancer growth Another test-tube study showed that curcumin helped kill off head and neck cancer cells Curcumin has also been shown to be effective in slowing the growth of lung, breast and prostate cancer cells in other test-tube studies 30 , 31 , Use it as a ground spice to add flavor to foods, and pair it with black pepper to help boost its absorption.

Summary Turmeric contains curcumin, a chemical that has been shown to reduce the growth of many types of cancer and lesions in test-tube and human studies. Eating citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruits and oranges has been associated with a lower risk of cancer in some studies.

One large study found that participants who ate a higher amount of citrus fruits had a lower risk of developing cancers of the digestive and upper respiratory tracts A review looking at nine studies also found that a greater intake of citrus fruits was linked to a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer These studies suggest that including a few servings of citrus fruits in your diet each week may lower your risk of developing certain types of cancer.

More studies are needed on how citrus fruits specifically affect cancer development. Summary Studies have found that a higher intake of citrus fruits could decrease the risk of certain types of cancers, including pancreatic and stomach cancers, along with cancers of the digestive and upper respiratory tracts.

Some research has shown that it may even help decrease cancer growth and help kill off cancer cells. In one study, 32 women with breast cancer received either a flaxseed muffin daily or a placebo for over a month. At the end of the study, the flaxseed group had decreased levels of specific markers that measure tumor growth, as well as an increase in cancer cell death In another study, men with prostate cancer were treated with flaxseed, which was found to reduce the growth and spread of cancer cells Flaxseed is high in fiber, which other studies have found to be protective against colorectal cancer 7 , 8 , 9.

Try adding one tablespoon 10 grams of ground flaxseed into your diet each day by mixing it into smoothies, sprinkling it over cereal and yogurt, or adding it to your favorite baked goods. Summary Some studies have found that flaxseed may reduce cancer growth in breast and prostate cancers.

It is also high in fiber, which may decrease the risk of colorectal cancer. Lycopene is a compound found in tomatoes that is responsible for its vibrant red color as well as its anticancer properties.

Several studies have found that an increased intake of lycopene and tomatoes could lead to a reduced risk of prostate cancer. A review of 17 studies also found that a higher intake of raw tomatoes, cooked tomatoes and lycopene were all associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer Another study of 47, people found that a greater intake of tomato sauce, in particular, was linked to a lower risk of developing prostate cancer To help increase your intake, include a serving or two of tomatoes in your diet each day by adding them to sandwiches, salads, sauces or pasta dishes.

Summary Some studies have found that a higher intake of tomatoes and lycopene could reduce the risk of prostate cancer. However, more studies are needed. The active component in garlic is allicin, a compound that has been shown to kill off cancer cells in multiple test-tube studies 40 , 41 , Several studies have found an association between garlic intake and a lower risk of certain types of cancer.

One study of , participants found that those who ate lots of Allium vegetables, such as garlic, onions, leeks and shallots, had a lower risk of stomach cancer than those who rarely consumed them A study of men showed that a higher intake of garlic was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer Another study found that participants who ate lots of garlic, as well as fruit, deep yellow vegetables, dark green vegetables and onions, were less likely to develop colorectal tumors.

However, this study did not isolate the effects of garlic Based on these findings, including 2—5 grams approximately one clove of fresh garlic into your diet per day can help you take advantage of its health-promoting properties. However, despite the promising results showing an association between garlic and a reduced risk of cancer, more studies are needed to examine whether other factors play a role.

Summary Garlic contains allicin, a compound that has been shown to kill cancer cells in test-tube studies. Studies have found that eating more garlic could lead to decreased risks of stomach, prostate and colorectal cancers.

Some research suggests that including a few servings of fish in your diet each week may reduce your risk of cancer. One large study showed that a higher intake of fish was associated with a lower risk of digestive tract cancer Another study that followed , adults found that eating more fish decreased the risk of developing colorectal cancer, while red and processed meats actually increased the risk In particular, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and anchovies contain important nutrients such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids that have been linked to a lower risk of cancer.

For example, having adequate levels of vitamin D is believed to protect against and reduce the risk of cancer In addition, omega-3 fatty acids are thought to block the development of the disease Aim for two servings of fatty fish per week to get a hearty dose of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, and to maximize the potential health benefits of these nutrients.

Still, more research is needed to determine how fatty fish consumption may directly influence the risk of cancer in humans. Summary Fish consumption may decrease the risk of cancer. Fatty fish contains vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, two nutrients that are believed to protect against cancer.

As new research continues to emerge, it has become increasingly clear that your diet can have a major impact on your risk of cancer. Although there are many foods that have potential to reduce the spread and growth of cancer cells, current research is limited to test-tube, animal and observational studies.

More studies are needed to understand how these foods may directly affect cancer development in humans. Read this article in Spanish. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument.

This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses 1, 2, 3 are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. Diet alone can't treat cancer. But if your breast cancer is HER2-positive, there are foods to avoid and foods to include in your diet to potentially….

Some factors that influence breast cancer risk cannot be changed. But some changes to diet and activity may help lower your risk of breast cancer…. Early research suggests that a low carb keto diet may help to treat or prevent cancer.

Explore the effects of keto for cancer in humans and animals. Eating well is one of the best ways to prepare for and recover from a colon cancer treatment session. Here are some nourishing meals and snacks for….

People often see nitrates and nitrites as harmful, but this may not always be true. Vegetables, for example, can be rich in nitrates.

Eating processed meat is linked to increased risk of several diseases, including cancer. This article explores the health effects of processed meat.

Knowing your breast cancer risk can be an important first step in taking care of your health. Living with breast cancer can be challenging. There are good days and bad days. We talked with Epiphany Wallner-Haas to learn how she gets through the….

Overall, these nine randomized controlled clinical trials did not provide evidence that dietary antioxidant supplements are beneficial in primary cancer prevention.

In addition, a systematic review of the available evidence regarding the use of vitamin and mineral supplements for the prevention of chronic diseases, including cancer, conducted for the United States Preventive Services Task Force USPSTF likewise found no clear evidence of benefit in preventing cancer It is possible that the lack of benefit in clinical studies can be explained by differences in the effects of the tested antioxidants when they are consumed as purified chemicals as opposed to when they are consumed in foods, which contain complex mixtures of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals 3.

Therefore, acquiring a more complete understanding of the antioxidant content of individual foods, how the various antioxidants and other substances in foods interact with one another, and factors that influence the uptake and distribution of food-derived antioxidants in the body are active areas of ongoing cancer prevention research.

Several randomized controlled trials , some including only small numbers of patients, have investigated whether taking antioxidant supplements during cancer treatment alters the effectiveness or reduces the toxicity of specific therapies Although these trials had mixed results, some found that people who took antioxidant supplements during cancer therapy had worse outcomes, especially if they were smokers.

In some preclinical studies, antioxidants have been found to promote tumor growth and metastasis in tumor-bearing mice and to increase the ability of circulating tumor cells to metastasize 29 — Until more is known about the effects of antioxidant supplements in cancer patients, these supplements should be used with caution.

Cancer patients should inform their doctors about their use of any dietary supplement. Home About Cancer Cancer Causes and Prevention Risk Factors Diet Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention. Cancer Causes and Prevention Risk Factors Age Alcohol Cancer-Causing Substances Chronic Inflammation Common Cancer Myths and Misconceptions Diet Hormones Immunosuppression Infectious Agents Obesity Radiation Sunlight Tobacco Genetics Cancer Prevention Overview Research.

Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention On This Page What are free radicals, and do they play a role in cancer development? What are antioxidants? Can antioxidant supplements help prevent cancer? Should people already diagnosed with cancer take antioxidant supplements? What are free radicals, and do they play a role in cancer development?

MAX Study, France 19 — 22 Daily supplementation with vitamin C mg , vitamin E 30 mg , beta-carotene 6 mg , and the minerals selenium µg and zinc 20 mg for a median of 7. Print Email. Initial: no effect on risk of developing either cancer; decreased risk of dying from gastric cancer only Later: no effect on risk of dying from gastric cancer Later: no effect on risk of dying from gastric cancer.

Initial: increased incidence of lung cancer for those who took beta-carotene supplements Later: no effect of either supplement on incidence of urothelial, pancreatic, colorectal, renal cell, or upper aerodigestive tract cancers. Daily supplementation with 15 mg beta-carotene and 25, International Units IU retinol.

People at high risk of lung cancer because of a history of smoking or exposure to asbestos. Initial: increased risk of lung cancer and increased death from all causes—trial ended early Later: higher risks of lung cancer and all-cause mortality persisted; no effect on risk of prostate cancer.

No effect on cancer incidence, cancer mortality, or all-cause mortality in either smokers or non-smokers. Beta-carotene supplementation 50 mg every other day , vitamin E supplementation IU every other day , and aspirin mg every other day.

Initial: no benefit or harm associated with 2 years of beta-carotene supplementation Later: no benefit or harm associated with 2 years of vitamin E supplementation. Daily supplementation with vitamin C mg , vitamin E 30 mg , beta-carotene 6 mg , and the minerals selenium µg and zinc 20 mg for a median of 7.

Initial: lower total cancer and prostate cancer incidence and all-cause mortality among men only; increased incidence of skin cancer among women only Later: no evidence of protective effects in men or harmful effects in women within 5 years of ending supplementation.

No effect on cancer incidence, death from cancer, or the incidence of major cardiovascular events. Initial: no reduction in incidence of prostate or other cancers—trial stopped early Later: more prostate cancer cases among those who took vitamin E alone.

Smoking has been linked to many types of cancer, including cancer of the lung, mouth, throat, voice box, pancreas, bladder, cervix and kidney.

Even being around secondhand smoke might increase the risk of lung cancer. But it's not only smoking that's harmful. Chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the mouth, throat and pancreas. Staying away from tobacco — or deciding to stop using it — is an important way to help prevent cancer.

For help quitting tobacco, ask a health care provider about stop-smoking products and other ways of quitting. Although eating healthy foods can't ensure cancer prevention, it might reduce the risk.

Consider the following:. People who eat a Mediterranean diet that includes extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts might have a reduced risk of breast cancer. The Mediterranean diet focuses mostly on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts.

People who follow the Mediterranean diet choose healthy fats, such as olive oil, over butter. They eat fish instead of red meat. Being at a healthy weight might lower the risk of some types of cancer. These include cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, colon and kidney.

Physical activity counts too. Besides helping control weight, physical activity on its own might lower the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer. Doing any amount of physical activity benefits health. But for the most benefit, strive for at least minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of hard aerobic activity.

You can combine moderate and hard activity. As a general goal, include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine.

More is better. Skin cancer is one of the most common kinds of cancer and one of the most preventable. Try these tips:. Protecting against certain viral infections can help protect against cancer.

Talk to a health care provider about getting vaccinated against:. Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer.

Adults at high risk of getting hepatitis B are people who have sex with more than one partner, people who have one sexual partner who has sex with others, and people with sexually transmitted infections. Others at high risk are people who inject illegal drugs, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might have contact with infected blood or body fluids.

Another effective cancer prevention tactic is to avoid risky behaviors that can lead to infections that, in turn, might increase the risk of cancer. For example:. Practice safe sex. Limit the number of sexual partners and use a condom. The greater the number of sexual partners in a lifetime, the greater the chances of getting a sexually transmitted infection, such as HIV or HPV.

People who have HIV or AIDS have a higher risk of cancer of the anus, liver and lung. HPV is most often associated with cervical cancer, but it might also increase the risk of cancer of the anus, penis, throat, vulva and vagina. Doing regular self-exams and having screenings for cancers — such as cancer of the skin, colon, cervix and breast — can raise the chances of finding cancer early.

That's when treatment is most likely to succeed. Ask a health care provider about the best cancer screening schedule for you. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.

Click here for an email preview. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you.

If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices.

Physical activity is linked to a lower risk of colorectal, breast and endometrial cancers, and there is some evidence that also links it to reducing the risk of other cancers. Add exercise to your routine to reduce stress, increase energy, boost your immune system, control your weight and reduce your risk of cancer.

Certain types of the human papillomavirus HPV can cause cervical cancer , oropharyngeal cancer cancer of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils and at least four other types of cancer. The hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses can be spread from person to person through sex or blood for example, by sharing needles and syringes for injection drug use.

The hepatitis B or C viruses can cause long-term liver infection that can increase your chance of developing liver cancer. Avoid risky behaviors and practice safer sex to decrease your risk of hepatitis B or C and liver cancer.

Getting vaccinated can protect you from certain viruses that are linked to certain cancers. One of these viruses is HPV. In the U. While there is no vaccine at this time for hepatitis C, a hepatitis B vaccine is available and is recommended for all children and adults up to age 59, as well as adults age 60 and over who are at high risk for hepatitis B infection.

Testing and treatment are available for both hepatitis B and C. Ways to Prevent Cancer Learn More. Breast Cancer Cervical Cancer Colorectal Cancer Liver Cancer Lung Cancer Oral Cancer Prostate Cancer Skin Cancer Testicular Cancer. Ways to Prevent Cancer Did you know that many choices you make every day can lower your risk for several types of cancer?

Download A Guide to Preventing Cancer Take Screening Quiz. Know Your Family Medical History and Get Recommended Cancer Screenings Share your family history with your health care provider and discuss cancer screenings.

As new research continues to emerge, it has become increasingly clear that your diet can have a major impact on your risk of cancer. Although there are many foods that have potential to reduce the spread and growth of cancer cells, current research is limited to test-tube, animal and observational studies.

More studies are needed to understand how these foods may directly affect cancer development in humans. Read this article in Spanish. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument.

This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses 1, 2, 3 are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers. Diet alone can't treat cancer. But if your breast cancer is HER2-positive, there are foods to avoid and foods to include in your diet to potentially….

Some factors that influence breast cancer risk cannot be changed. But some changes to diet and activity may help lower your risk of breast cancer…. Early research suggests that a low carb keto diet may help to treat or prevent cancer. Explore the effects of keto for cancer in humans and animals.

Eating well is one of the best ways to prepare for and recover from a colon cancer treatment session. Here are some nourishing meals and snacks for…. People often see nitrates and nitrites as harmful, but this may not always be true.

Vegetables, for example, can be rich in nitrates. Eating processed meat is linked to increased risk of several diseases, including cancer. This article explores the health effects of processed meat.

Knowing your breast cancer risk can be an important first step in taking care of your health. Living with breast cancer can be challenging. There are good days and bad days. We talked with Epiphany Wallner-Haas to learn how she gets through the….

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based Foods to Lower Your Cancer Risk.

By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD — Updated on March 24, Share on Pinterest. Olive Oil. Citrus Fruits. Fatty Fish. The Bottom Line. How we reviewed this article: History. Mar 24, Written By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD.

Dec 18, Written By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD. Share this article. Evidence Based This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts.

related stories HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Diet. Breast Cancer and Diet: How Do Lifestyle Choices Affect Cancer? Can a Ketogenic Diet Help Fight Cancer?

A Diet Plan for Before and After Colon Cancer Treatment. Are Nitrates and Nitrites in Foods Harmful? Read this next. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Diet. Medically reviewed by Yamini Ranchod, Ph. But some changes to diet and activity may help lower your risk of breast cancer… READ MORE.

Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD. By Kris Gunnars, BSc. Why Processed Meat is Bad For You.