5 lifestyle habits that will help you avoid cancer

Most cancers are the result of unhealthy lifestyles and poor diets. Cancers tend to develop over decades, so making these daily changes will likely help you avoid the "Big C." (Talk to your doctor before taking any vitamin or supplement.)

• A study suggests that these supplements reduce colon polyps (a risk factor for colon cancer) in susceptible people.
• And make sure that all the dairy products in your diet are fat-free – you'll get all the calcium benefits with none of the detriments of saturated fat.

• A major study found that men who drank six 250 millilitre (one cup) glasses of water every day cut their risk of bladder cancer by 50 per cent.
• Another study suggests that women who drink more water reduce their risk of colon cancer by up to 45 per cent.

• Many studies suggest that getting optimum levels of vitamins and minerals can improve immune system function and help to prevent a variety of cancers.
• If you're not eating a balanced, healthy diet, a multivitamin could help.

• You've heard of the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D – it turns out that many of us aren't getting enough of this valuable nutrient – possibly because we are always advised to protect against sun damage.
• Researchers find that getting too little vitamin D may increase your risk of multiple cancers, including breast, colon, prostate, ovarian and stomach cancers, as well as osteoporosis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis and hypertension. UVB rays in natural and artificial sunlight are the best source.
• About 15 minutes a day is enough. To protect against skin cancer, always avoid over-exposure.

• The more sexual partners a woman has, the greater her risk of contracting human papillomavirus, or HPV, which causes cervical cancer.
• Having an unfaithful partner also increases a woman's risk.