Avoid Tobacco
Tobacco use accounts for 30% of all cancer deaths and 87% of lung cancer deaths. Tobacco is a known risk factor for cancer of the lung, mouth, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, kidney, bladder, and uterine cervix. Arkansas has one of the highest smoking rates in the country - in 2000, 25% of Arkansans smoked, compared with 23% nationwide.

Adopt Healthy Eating Habits
Diet and obesity have been associated with 30% of all cancer deaths. By eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains, and reducing your consumption of red meat, you can significantly lower your risk of getting cancers of the colon, stomach, prostate, lung, esophagus, and pancreas. Obesity alone has been linked with cancer of the breast, colon, rectum and kidney, as well as some reproductive cancers. In Arkansas, 21.7% of the population is considered obese, compared to the national average of 20.9%.

Get Moving!
Lack of physical activity contributes to an increased incidence of cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate. An estimated 5% of all cancer deaths can be attributed to a sedentary lifestyle. In a recent survey measuring level of physical activity, Arkansas ranked below the national average.

Drink Alcohol in Moderation
Approximately 3% of all cancer deaths are related to alcohol consumption. Alcohol has been linked with cancer of the liver and breast, and, in combination with tobacco, may be a risk factor for lung and gastrointestinal cancers. In 2001, the percentage of Arkansans who consumed alcohol was 12.5, compared to 11.5% nationwide.

Protect Yourself Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexual activity at an early age and multiple sexual partners appear to be risk factors for certain reproductive cancers. For example, researchers recently linked cervical cancer with the human papilloma virus (HPV) - a sexually transmitted disease.

Avoid Prolonged Exposure to the Sun
Skin cancer is the most common malignancy in the United States. Ultraviolet radiation due to sun exposure is responsible for 90% of all cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Get Regular Cancer Screenings
Early detection through regular self-examination and physician screenings can save your life. Many cancers, including cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate, are highly curable if caught early. The American Cancer Society provides screening guidelines for breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer. And, of course, always discuss any concerns you may have with your physician.