Along with other preventive measures, eating a healthy diet rich in cancer-fighting foods is a great way to help prevent cancer. Foods that are filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and phytonutrients should be main staples in your diet.

Antioxidants are a key cancer-fighting substance known to prevent and delay cell damage. Some foods that are high in antioxidants include:

• Blueberries
• Goji berries
• Kidney beans
• Cranberries
• Dark chocolate
• Artichokes
• Pecans

Additional substances that help fight cancer are phytonutrients. These natural chemicals are present in plants to help fight fungi, germs, and diseases. Phytonutrients such as lycopene, ellagic acid, and carotenoids are notable for their cancer prevention properties. Some foods high in phytonutrients include:

• Tomatoes
• Leafy greens, such as spinach, collards, and kale
• Watermelon
• All kinds of berries
• Grapefruit
• Tea
• Whole grains

Foods from the allium family also contain beneficial cancer-fighting properties in the form of special compounds that delay development of colon, lung, and breast cancer. These foods include leeks, onions, garlic, and scallions.

Diets high in fish are linked with lower risk of colon, breast, and ovarian cancer, and it may be because of the high content of omega-3 fatty acids. A diet high in fish also means that you are consuming less processed and red meats, which increase your risk of colon cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids are also great for heart health, making them an ideal addition to your diet full of cancer-fighting foods.