DR. WALLACE: My dad works for the American Cancer Society, which is very interested in getting teens to start early in living a healthy life and reducing the risk of cancer. The society has come up with five protective factors to add to your life and five risk factors to subtract. You would really do your teen readers a big favor by printing these 10 factors.

THE PROTECTIVE FACTORS:

EAT MORE CABBAGE-FAMILY VEGETABLES. Important studies show these vegetables appear to protect you against colorectal, stomach and respiratory cancers. They include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, all cabbages and kale.

ADD MORE HIGH-FIBER FOODS. A high-fiber diet may protect you against colon cancer. Fiber occurs in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, including peaches, strawberries, potatoes, spinach, tomatoes, wheat and bran cereals, rice, popcorn and whole wheat bread.

CHOOSE FOODS WITH VITAMIN A. It may help protect you against cancers of the esophagus, larynx and lung. Fresh foods with beta-carotene, such as carrots, peaches, apricots, squash and broccoli, are the best source, not vitamin pills.

DO THE SAME WITH VITAMIN C. This vitamin may help protect you against cancers of the esophagus and stomach. You'll find it naturally in lots of fresh fruits and vegetables like grapefruit, cantaloupe, oranges, strawberries, red and green peppers, broccoli and tomatoes.

ADD WEIGHT CONTROL. Obesity is linked to cancers of the uterus, gallbladder, breast and colon. Exercise and lower calorie intake both help you avoid gaining too much weight. Walking is ideal exercise for most people, and strengthens you for other sports. Check with your physician before undertaking strenuous activity or a special diet.

THE RISK FACTORS:

TRIM FAT FROM YOUR DIET. A high-fat diet increases your risk of breast, colon and prostate cancer. Fat-loaded calories mean weight gain for you, especially if you don't exercise. Cut overall fat intake by eating lean meat, fish, skinned poultry and low-fat dairy products. Avoid pastry and candies.

SUBTRACT SALT-CURED, SMOKED, NITRITE-CURED FOODS. Cancers of the esophagus and stomach are common in countries where these foods are eaten in large quantities. Indulge in bacon, ham, hot dogs or salt-cured fish only occasionally, if at all.

STOP CIGARETTE SMOKING. Smoking is the biggest cancer risk factor of all — the main cause of lung cancer and 30 percent of all cancers. Smoking at home means more respiratory and allergic ailments for kids. Pregnant women who smoke harm their babies. Chewing tobaccos are all harmful risks for mouth and throat cancer. Pick a day to quit now and call the Cancer Society for helpful suggestions.

GO EASY ON ALCOHOL. If you drink, your risk of liver cancer increases. Smoking and drinking alcohol greatly increases risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, larynx and esophagus. If you do drink alcohol, be moderate in your intake. Better yet, don't drink it at all!

RESPECT THE SUN'S RAYS. Too much sun causes skin cancer and other damage to your skin. Protect yourself with sunscreen (at least 15 SPF) and wear long sleeves and a hat, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Don't use indoor sunlamps, tanning parlors or pills. If you see changes in a mole or a sore that does not heal, see your physician. — Tammy, Sacramento, Calif.

TAMMY: Thank you so much for this important information. It will help educate teens and adults as well!

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.