More than 70 per cent of cancers are caused by things that we can control.
When it comes to inherited factors, you can’t choose your parents. But you can choose to control some of the known environmental factors that contribute to cancer.
Smoking is obviously a risk factor. It’s related to cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx, bladder, kidney, cervix, esophagus and pancreas. It has been estimated that smoking alone causes one-third of all cancer deaths. Now there’s evidence that side-stream and second-hand smoke is more dangerous than once was thought.
Proper nutrition is vitally important. Avoiding food that has been linked to cancer is just common sense. On a more positive note, a good diet has the secondary effect of boosting one’s immune system, giving the body more ammunition to defend against and repair damage.
Physical activity is important on several levels. There’s a strong relationship between a sedentary lifestyle and cancers. Just as important, keeping at your "fighting weight" has huge benefits for hormone production and general well-being
Skin cancer from overexposure to the sun is easily preventable. "Slip, Slap, Slop" is the Canadian Cancer Society’s formula for prevention: "slip" on clothing that covers exposed skin, "slap" on a hat and "slop" on sunscreen.
Early detection can increase five-year survival rates to as high as 95 per cent. But that means following cancer-screening guidelines. And that means being actively involved in setting up a schedule with your doctor.
There are as many symptoms of cancer as there are types. Some of the early symptoms can be quite mild, so it’s important to stay on top of what your body is telling you. If there’s a change in your state of health, don’t dismiss it – leave it to a medical professional to do that.
It’s easy to zone out on the issue of hazardous materials. After all, most of us don’t work in the asbestos-removal business or in a nickel mine. However, many common items, such as insecticides, fungicides and paint thinners, can be carcinogenic, or cancer causing. Modern labelling rules mean that it’s easier to tell what is in the product you are using but it pays to pay attention.
None of these steps to prevention are unreasonable or particularly inconvenient – they’re just common-sense steps to living healthy.



 The Canadian Cancer Society provides these "Seven Steps to Health"
1.    Be a non-smoker and avoid second-hand smoke.
2.    Eat 5–10 servings of vegetables and fruit a day. Choose high fibre, lower fat foods. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake to 1–2 drinks a day.
3.    Be physically active on a regular basis. This will also help you maintain a healthy body weight.
4.    Protect yourself and your family from the sun.
5.    Follow cancer-screening guidelines.
6.    Visit your doctor or dentist if you notice any change in your normal state of health.
7.    Follow health and safety instructions at home and at work when using, storing and disposing of hazardous materials.