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Key Takeaways

February is National Cancer Prevention Month.

Cancer Risk Factors

Cancer is a complex disease, and there isn’t a single cause.

Many factors affect your risk, including several that are out of your control.

plate of beans and vegetables

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However, research has shown that adopting certain lifestyle habits may reduce your risk of developing some cancers.

This means you could take a proactive approach to cancer prevention.

Here are six dietary habits that may help reduce your overall risk of getting cancer.

Close up of a white person’s hands holding an array of colorful vegetables.

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Aplant-based dietdoes not mean that you have to avoid meat altogether.

One cup of black beans has about 6 grams of soluble fiber.

Garlic is a natural source of a natural compound calledallicinthat may have anti-cancer properties.

Close up of a whole glove of garlic next to some pieces of garlic on a white background.

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Some research suggests the compound has anti-cancer properties.

A 2019 study showed that eating certain cruciferous vegetables allowed more cancer-causing compounds to be cleared from the body.

This, in turn, was thought to reduce the chances of developing the disease.

A bowel of lettuce, carrots, radishes, and cherry tomatoes.

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Limit Processed Meats

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If you include meat in your diet, limit processed options.

That means there is strong evidence that processed meats cause cancerespecially bowel and stomach cancer.

However, there are some things you’ve got the option to do to proactively reduce your risk.

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These choices will also support your overall health.

However, your diet is one area where you could make choices that may reduce your cancer risk.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cancer.

Two people, un seen, clinking colorful glasses with fruit garnishes and tiny umbrellas.

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National Cancer Institute.Cancer statistics.

National Cancer Institute.Causes and prevention.

National Cancer Institute.Risk factors for cancer.

A sliced salami stick on a wooden cutting board next to some herbs and spices.

Milan/Pexels

2019;15(2).

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0261649

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Alcohol and cancer.

2018;360. doi:10.1136/bmj.k322

World Health Organization.Cancer: Carcinogenicity of the consumption of red and processed meat.