Making smart food choices may reduce your risk of cancer. We used to think that what you ate could cause cancer. Now it seems that what you eat can prevent it. Experts believe that 35 percent of all cancer in the United States could be eliminated if we improve our eating habits.

These are the most important changes you can make:
* Eat more fruits, especially citrus, and more vegetables, particularly green leafy and dark yellow or dark orange ones. Fruits and vegetables are rich in phytochemicals, naturally occurring chemicals that protect us from cancer by killing cancer cells or repairing damaged cells that otherwise might become cancer.
* Eat more fiber. Choose whole-grain bread, cereal with at least 5 grams of fiber per serving, and more whole-grain pasta and rice. Fiber binds and eliminates cancer-causing substances in our bodies.
* Eat less fat. Choose lean meat, fish, and poultry. Choose low-fat milk or cheese. Do not add extra fat to foods - try seasonings instead. High fat intake may contribute to breast and prostate cancer.
* Be careful with alcohol. Take no more than two or three drinks per week, especially if you're a woman at risk for breast cancer or a male at risk for prostate cancer.
* Watch out for smoked or charcoal-broiled foods.

Getting more activity and exercise is also important to reducing your cancer risk.

For more information on how to reduce your cancer risk through diet, consult a registered dietitian or another health care professional.

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