More than four in 10 cancers - 600,000 in the UK alone - could be prevented if
people led healthier lives, say experts.
Latest figures from Cancer Research UK show smoking is the biggest avoidable
risk factor, followed by unhealthy diets.
The charity is urging people to consider their health when making New Year
resolutions.
Limiting alcohol intake and doing regular exercise is also good advice.
According to the figures spanning five years from 2007 to 2011, more than
300,000 cases of cancer recorded were linked to smoking.
Key risk factors
A further 145,000 were linked to unhealthy diets containing too much processed
food.
Obesity contributed to 88,000 cases and alcohol to 62,200.
Sun damage to the skin and physical inactivity were also contributing factors.
Man using weighing scales
Prof Max Parkin, a Cancer Research UK statistician based at Queen Mary
University of London, said: "There's now little doubt that certain lifestyle
choices can have a big impact on cancer risk, with research around the world
all pointing to the same key risk factors.
"Of course everyone enjoys some extra treats during the Christmas holidays so
we don't want to ban mince pies and wine but it's a good time to think about
taking up some healthy habits for 2015.
"Leading a healthy lifestyle can't guarantee someone won't get cancer but we
can stack the odds in our favour by taking positive steps now that will help
decrease our cancer risk in future."
Public Health England says a healthy lifestyle can play a vital role in
reducing cancer risk. It says campaigns such as Smokefree, Dry January and
Change4Life Sugar Swaps all aim to raise public awareness.