Studies are confirming what doctors and many others knew 25 years ago—lifestyle does make a difference in the risk of developing cancer. With 30 to 35 percent of cancers associated with diet, 30 to 32 percent caused by smoking, 4 percent related to alcohol and 3 percent related to sun exposure, more than 70 percent of cancers are likely the direct result of the lifestyle choices we make.
    Two-thirds of cancer cases, then, can be prevented if enough people make different choices. Reducing the number of smokers in Canada by 50 percent would save about 8,000 lives each year by 2015. Dietary improvements would save at least 2,000 lives annually. But although many people have become aware of cancer risk factors , few seem willing to change their habits.

What You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
Diet  No diet can guarantee that you won't develop cancer. But a diet low in fat and rich in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grain products may reduce your risk for cancer.
1. Reduce your intake of dietary fats— both saturated and unsaturated—from the current estimated level of 36
    percent of total calories to less than 30 percent, and increase your consumption of fiber from 8 to 12 grams to
    20 to 30 grams per day (about 250 to 500 mL/1 to 2 cups) of wheat bran cereal, for example.
2. Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables to at least 5 servings per day (a serving being equal to an
    apple or a 175 mL/6 oz. glass of orange juice). Fruits and vegetables contain vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E,
    the minerals zinc and selenium, and fiber.