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>

*<strong>be physically active</strong>

<strong>* eat healthy food</strong> (increase intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, whole grains; decrease intake of saturated fat diet; limit intake of free sugars; limit salt consumption and ensure that salt is iodized; avoid intake of food and drinks that are very hot in temperature; minimize exposure to aflatoxins in food)

*maintain healthy body weight

*avoid smoking

*avoid alcohol use

*avoid exposure to food contaminated by chemicals such as aflatoxins or dioxins.

*avoid indoor air pollution from domestic coal fires

*avoid exposure to arsenic, radon, asbestos

*limit Ultraviolet (UV) exposure during extensive outdoor activities or use of sun beds).

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