There is no cure for cancer, but there are many ways we can reduce our risk of developing some types of the deadly class of diseases.

Some of the most powerful ways to reduce your cancer risk include staying active, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, especially around your waistline.

Vitamin-rich plants and fiberous foods also play an important role.

Cancer is a dangerous and common class of diseases: it's the second-leading cause of death in the US, and you probably know at least a few people who have been diagnosed. More than 15.5 million Americans — nearly one in 20 — have had cancer in the past or currently do, according to the American Cancer Society.

Yet nearly half of US cancer cases and deaths are linked to preventable risk factors. Similarly, experts in the UK estimate that 4 in 10 cancer cases there are preventable with lifestyle changes.

Cancer fundamentally messes with the way our bodies function, perversely changing the way cells grow and divide inside the body. All cases of cancer are the result of damage or changes in our DNA. Some cancers are genetic — there are certain genes that make it more likely people will develop cancers like breast and colon — but many aren't.

So a healthy diet and way of life can go a long way towards reducing your risk. Here is a rundown of some of the simplest and most effective ways that science suggests you can lower your risk of cancer right now.