Everyday Things You Can Do To Lower Your Cancer Risk

This year, more than 1.5 million people are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer. Even more grim is the fact that half of cancer deaths stem from preventable causes. In recognition of World Cancer Day, which pushes positive and proactive approaches to fighting cancer, HuffPost Live took a look at the things that you can do to lower your risk.

While putting down the cigarettes is one aspect of cancer prevention, Dr. Margaret Cuomo told HuffPost Live on Tuesday that regulating one's diet and exercise habits should be part of the equation. For starters, she recommended a plant-based diet.

"Look at your plate as a round circle ... and divide it into two-thirds whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and a third lean protein. That could be poultry, it could be fish," she said.

So what types of foods should you avoid?

"We discourage red meat because red meat is a risk factor for cancer -- especially processed meat, but all red meat -- so we want to minimize that," Cuomo told host Nancy Redd. "The fewer processed foods you bring into your home and onto your plate, the better."

Physical activity is also a healthy habit that may ward off cancer, Cuomo added, and it doesn't have to be done at the gym.

"You can build exercise into your work day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator," she said. "Walk a few more blocks if you take the bus or subway. If you drive, park a little farther away from your destination and walk.”

Watch the whole HuffPost Live conversation about cancer prevention here.

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