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There are many actions you can take to reduce your risk of developing cancer. While there are some risk factors such as your age, gender and family history that you can't change, there are other risk factors that you can control such as exercise, diet and not using tobacco products.

The use of tobacco is a lifestyle choice that can cause cancer, but you can do something about it. Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the United States, and cigarette smoking alone is directly responsible for about one-third of all cancer deaths annually in the United States. Educational programs on the importance of not using tobacco are an important factor in reducing cancer risk.

When it comes to your health, the foods you eat can make a difference. Research conducted over the past few years has shown that eating a healthy diet, low in fat, high in fiber, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, may help to lower cancer risk. So what you eat now has a big impact on your current health, and it also determines how healthy you will be in the future.

Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important factor in the development of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but it is largely preventable when you protect yourself from the sun's dangerous rays. Take precautions by staying in the shade, wearing sunscreen and covering exposed areas of skin with appropriate clothing, like hats.