We don't know what causes all cancers, but we do know that lifestyle changes can greatly lessen your risk of some cancers. Smoking causes more than eighty percent of lung cancer deaths. Smoking also increases your risk of many other cancers, including cancer of the cervix (SIR-vix), kidney, bladder, mouth, throat, esophagus (e-SOF-a-gus), pancreas (PAN-cree-us), and larynx (LARE-inks). Using smokeless tobacco greatly raises your risk of oral and throat cancer. To help prevent cancer, it is recommended to keep a desirable body weight and limit your total fat intake. A high fat diet is linked to a higher risk of colorectal (co-lo-REK-tal) and prostate cancer. Being excessively overweight can increase your risk of dying from prostate or other cancers. Eat high fiber foods such as whole grain breads and cereals, dried peas and beans, and fruits and vegetables. Five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, especially dark green and dark yellow vegetables and citrus fruits, can reduce your risk of colon, lung, and some other cancers. Limit the pickled, smoked, or cured foods you eat to lessen your risk of stomach cancer. Limit the alcohol you drink; even moderate drinking has been linked to several cancers. Drinking alcohol and using tobacco greatly increase your risk of mouth and throat cancer. Exposure to certain industrial agents such as asbestos and other chemicals is also linked to cancer. Avoid exposure when possible and follow work and safety rules. This includes use of household chemicals such as solvents, paint thinners, and pesticides. For more information about cancer prevention, contact your health care provider.
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