There is no specific food or lifestyle that can prevent cancer. But, studies show that a combination of foods and a healthy lifestyle is the perfect way to help prevent cancer and also, 30% to 40% of all cancers are directly linked to your own dietary choice. A few foods that would be best for your cancer-preventing diet are fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole wheat/grains. In fact, two-thirds of your plate should be those foods. More specifically foods such as beans, berries, dark green and leafy vegetables, flaxseed, garlic, grape (grape juice), green tea, soy, tomatoes, and whole grain foods. Are you really eating that many healthy foods on at least 2/3 of your plate? Probably not.

Here are a few kinds of cancers that could be prevented by the certain types of foods that you (should) eat and the type(s) of lifestyle(s) that you should be living:

1. Lung Cancer (leading cancer that causes cancer-related deaths in the WORLD): Obviously, do NOT smoke! That is the leading cause of lung cancer. Also, a diet high in vegetables and fruits may help decrease the risk for this cancer (especially if they are high in a compound called carotenoids, which are usually found in veggies and fruits).

2. Breast Cancer: Low/No fat diet. A diet that is also high in mono-unsaturated fat, vegetables, and fruits. A diet with no alcohol can help a lot, too, since alcohol has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer.

3. Prostate Cancer: A diet high in lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, watermelons, and strawberries. Also, a diet high in vegetables, soy in particular, may decrease the risk while a high fatty diet (found in animal products) may increase the risk.

4. Bowel Cancer (the 4th most common cancer in the world): Sadly, up to 70% of all bowel cancer-related cases could be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. A good cardiovascular, physical activity with a diet high in vegetables and fibers may prevent this popular cancer. Stay away from a high red meat diet and/or a high alcohol intake! They will increase your risk.

So, depending on which cancer you are most afraid of and wish to protect yourself from, start eating those fruits and vegetables! Remember to keep it low on the fatty foods, high-fat meats (or just meats in general), but high in nutrients/anti-oxidants, such as vitamins A, B, C, D, E, calcium and essential fatty acids. Keep it low with your alcoholic beverages and prepare your foods in a very healthy way. Lower your sodium intake and keep exercising daily for 30 minutes at the least!