Research shows that most of the cancers can be prevented by choosing a healthy lifestyle right from the childhood. It just needs little alterations in your lifestyle and diet.

• In the United States, 90 percent of lung cancer is caused due to cigarette smoking. So, avoid tobacco in all forms to reduce the risk of cancer. Even cancer of the larynx, esophagus and mouth is more in the case of smokers than the non-smokers.
• Cancers are also caused due to improper food and nutrition. Leafy vegetables, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage help reduce the risk of cancer. Have plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains and beans every day.
• Obesity is also one of the main causes of cancer. Limit the intake of fat in your diet. Have food items that contain less fat. Include plenty of fruits in your diet.
• Exercise and other physical activities help in reducing the risk of cancer, especially those related to obesity (prostate, colon, rectum, uterus, ovaries and breast). It is very risky for women if they gain weight after menopause.
• Exposure to the solar rays is one of the most common causes for skin cancer. Avoid being exposed to the UV radiation of the sun during noon time when the radiation is at its peak. While going out, cover your arms and legs with loose and light colored clothing.
• Apply sunscreen to protect yourselves from the sun’s rays.
• Taking Hepatitis B vaccination reduces the risk of developing liver cancer.
• Protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases.
• If your family has two or more cancer patients, you need to consider genetic counseling.
• Regular examination will help detect cancer at the early stage which will help in the effective treatment of the disease.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Long term hormone therapy increases the risk of breast cancer in women. If you are undergoing hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, go for the lowest dose for the shortest period of time.
• Studies have shown that women, who take birth control pills for more than four years before their first pregnancy, have higher risk of having pre-menopausal breast cancer.
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotic intake and exposure to pesticides which can cause cancer.
• According to researchers, those who consume fishes have lower chances of getting prostate cancer than those who ate no fish.
• Soy-proteins and other legumes that contain phytoestrogens can help prevent prostate cancer. It reduces the androgen level that stimulates the growth of prostate cancer.

These measures do not guarantee of your not having cancer. These are only some useful guidelines that will help you reduce the risk of having cancer.