Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells that cause a person to become sick. Cancer can be caused by environmental factors, genetics and lifestyle choices. People who choose to live an unhealthy lifestyle are at an increased risk for developing cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, every year 550,000 Americans die from cancer. One-third of those deaths are linked to poor diet, lack of physical activity and being overweight. These are lifestyle factors that can be changed to help prevent cancer.
Step 1
Eat lean meats. Chicken, turkey, fish and beans are lower in fat than red meats. When cooking meat, broiling and baking are healthier choices than frying. Avoid eating processed meats such as lunch meat, hot dogs, sausages, jerky and bacon. These processed meats contain sodium nitrates, which are linked to the development of cancer, according to the Organic Consumer's Association.
Step 2
Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. The American Cancer Society recommends adults eating five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables will also provide you with a variety of nutrients.
Step 3
Eat whole grains. When purchasing foods such as breads, cereals, rice and pasta, look for those that contain whole grains. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, products that contain whole grains contain the entire grain. These foods include oatmeal, brown rice, whole cornmeal and whole-wheat flour. Refined grains are stripped of the bran and germ components of the grain to increase shelf life, which removes fiber, vitamin B and iron.
Step 4
Measure out your food. Portion control is essential for managing your weight. If you eat too much food, even healthy foods can lead to weight gain. Do not eat directly from the package. Instead, divide the food into individual serving sizes to limit overeating.
Step 5
Eat foods containing antioxidants. According to the National Cancer Institute, antioxidants have been found to slow cancer or may even prevent cancer from forming. However, more research is still needed in this area. The National Cancer Institute still recommends that people eat foods rich in antioxidants, including sweet potatoes, mangoes, carrots, spinach, kale, squash, apricots and cantaloupe.
