4.    Diet anything could be a gateway to various cancers caused by the use of artificial ingredients and their manufacturing practices. For example, studies have shown that aspartame, an artificial sweetener, has been linked to birth defects and heart problems. One must keep in mind that all diet foods are chemically processed and comprise super-refined ingredients, artificial flavors and high sodium levels.

5.    Lifestyle factors such as being overweight, having poor nutritional practices and physical inactivity all contribute to high levels of cancer. Cancers such as breast cancer in women past menopause, colorectal, esophagus, kidney, endometrium (the lining of the uterus) and the pancreas have been linked to lifestyle practices.  And having too much girth, that belly fat around your middle, regardless of body weight, raises your risk of colorectal and breast cancers, especially for women who are post-menopausal.

6.    Cooking red meats over high temperatures, as in grilling or pan frying, can drastically increase the chances of prostate cancer by as much as 40 percent. Even if you aren’t a guy, cooking beef, fish, pork or poultry over high temps can affect you as well. Grilling or pan frying form two chemicals found to be linked to cancer. Another 1999 large-scale study found well-done or grilled red meat was associated with a precursor to colorectal cancer.

7.    Potato chips are one of the most popular snack foods in America. But as we sit on our backsides, cheering on our favorite team, all the fat and calories in those delicious chips are doing their best to ruin our day. Most chips today are high in trans fats, which cause elevated cholesterol levels in most people. Also, deep frying potato chips creates a cancer-causing agent -- the same cancer agent found in cigarettes. Hydrogenated oils used in frying is high in omega-6 oils, an excess of which could cause heart disease and varying kinds of cancer, especially skin cancer.

With a little bit of willpower and a whole lot of practice, avoiding cancer-causing agents will become easier over time. To minimize cancer risks, read articles such as this and keep yourself informed with the latest information.