Fruits and Vegetables

• Include five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day in your diet. The ACS suggests trying creative ways to increase your intake of these healthful foods, such as slicing a banana on top of your morning cereal and packing carrot sticks and celery for a snack. Soups that are full of veggies provide a nutritious lunch, and you can quickly heat a small amount of frozen peas or another vegetable to accompany your dinner.
  
  

Soy and Legumes

• High in fiber and phytochemicals, beans and legumes may protect the body's cells from cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) reports that these naturally occurring substances have successfully slowed the growth of tumors in some studies.
  Soy, also in the legume family, stands out in the prevention of prostate cancer and may be beneficial in preventing other hormonal-type cancers as well. Soy is readily available in many products, including tofu, veggie burgers, tempeh and milk substitutes.
  
  

Fiber

• Another beneficial staple of any healthy diet, fiber is present in whole grain products, vegetables and fruits. It can also be consumed as a dietary supplement. Although it is not directly related to the prevention of cancer, since fiber lowers cholesterol and reduces the risk of coronary disease, the ACS recommends eating plenty of fiber-rich foods.
  
  

Meat Protein

• Choose lean cuts of meat and restrict the amount of meat on your dinner plate to one-third of your food. Bake, broil or grill meat and poultry instead of frying in grease to reduce excess fat consumption. Fish, chicken and other poultry products are lean and can be prepared in numerous healthy and delicious ways.
  
  

Considerations

• Among items that may be detrimental to your health if eaten regularly are saturated fats, alcohol and meats processed with nitrates. In addition, sugary foods and those high in carbohydrates may contribute to obesity, which is a contributing factor in some cancers.
  Wash fresh fruits and vegetables to remove traces of herbicides or pesticides, and avoid eating large quantities of highly processed junk foods that contain large amounts of additives and preservatives.