When it comes to colon cancer, some people may be genetically susceptible, especially when they eat meat. Luckily, those same folks seem less likely to develop cancer if they eat lots of carotenes (found in orange and dark green veggies) and natural vitamin E, found in nuts, seeds, olive oil and other oils, according to British researchers.

5. Fish. Fresh fish is associated with a 40 percent to 70 percent lower risk of colon cancer, according to Indian researchers. It's also linked to reduced risks of prostate and breast cancer.

6. Garlic. Stinky but healthy, allium vegetables such as garlic, onions, scallions, leeks and chives are linked to lower rates of stomach and colon cancer. Plus, these veggies enhance the flavor of other foods.

7. Green Tea. This kind of tea contains more cancer-fighting catechins than black tea.

8. Mushrooms.Cooked mushrooms have compounds that help stimulate the immune system. Chinese women who consumed the most cooked mushrooms had a 64 percent lower risk of breast cancer.

9. Tomatoes. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Women who ate more lycopene-rich foods had half the risk of cervical cancer in one study.

10. Turmeric. Turmeric, the spice that makes curry powder yellow, is a powerful antioxidant and is being studied for cancer-fighting properties.

IT'S ALL GOOD

Don't worry if your favorite fruits and veggies aren't on the list. All fruits and vegetables, and the fiber they contain, have shown anti-cancer links in multiple studies.

For example, women who ate the most fiber had a 40 percent lower risk of endometrial cancer and a 70 percent lower risk of breast cancer.

And men and women who ate the most foods with quercetin--an antioxidant found in apples and many other fruits and vegetables--had 50 percent lower rates of colon cancer, according to Scottish scientists.

AVOID THESE FOODS

Eating red meat, especially cured and processed meats like bacon and sausage, was associated with shorter survival time in Illinois women with ovarian cancer, in a study released this month. And eating meat was associated with a 250 percent higher risk of colon cancer in an Indian study.

Saturated fat was linked to pancreatic cancer risk by Minnesota researchers.

Excessive alcohol is associated with risks of several cancers, so try to limit alcohol to one drink per day--if you drink at all.

Excessive calories and high blood sugar are also linked to increased cancer risk, so try to eat in moderation.

Eating well now can help you live long into the future.

Jennifer Motl is a registered dietitian. Formerly of Fredericksburg, she now lives in Wisconsin and welcomes reader questions via her Web site, brighteating.com, or mailed to: Nutrition, The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401.