Cancer prevention is an essential component of the fight against cancer. Cancer prevention must be considered in the context of activities to prevent other chronic diseases, especially those with which cancer shares common risk factors, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases and alcohol dependence.

Common risk factors underlying all these conditions include:

*<strong>tobacco use</strong>

<strong>*alcohol use</strong>

<strong>*dietary factors including low fruit and vegetable intake</strong>

<strong>*physical inactivity</strong>

<strong>*overweight and obesity.</strong>

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Other important cancer risk factors include exposure to:

<strong>*physical carcinogens, such as ultraviolet (UV) and ionizing radiation</strong>

<strong>*chemical carcinogens, such as benzo(a)pyrene, formaldehyde and aflatoxins (food contaminants), and fibres such as asbestos</strong>

<strong>*biological carcinogens, such as infections by viruses, bacteria and parasites.</strong>

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<strong>Preventive measures include</strong>

*be physically active

* eat healthy food (increase intake of fruits and vegetables, decrease intake of  high-fat diet)

*maintain healthy body weight

*avoid smoking

*avoid alcohol use

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