13 major risk factors for cancer have been identified. And they're easy to avoid.

The Australian health department predicts 126,800 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. And according to new research from the Cancer Council this morning, 37,000 of those cases could have been prevented.

A study conducted by the Australian Cancer Council and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute has revealed that as many as 1 in 3 cancers could be prevented by simple changes to diet and lifestyle.

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It identified 13 risk factors, including smoking, UV radiation, body weight, poor diet and alcohol.These accounted for 90 per cent of all preventable cancers, the CEO of the Cancer Council, Professor Sanchia Aranda said.

“The association with smoking is well-known, but the study shows that 7000 new cancer cases a year are also attributable to low fruit and vegetable intake, low fibre intake and eating excess red meat. Eating more fruit, vegetables and wholegrains is a positive step we can take to reduce our risk,” Prof Aranda said.

“These healthier choices also reduce obesity, the cause of 3900 cancer cases in its own right, and balance overconsumption of red and processed meat, which account for a further 2600 cases.”

So what can you do to prevent cancer?

1.  Reduce your alcohol intake.

Wine. Beer. Spirits. It's coming up to silly season, but mass consumption of alcohol causes up to 3200 cases of cancer a year.

2. Stop smoking.

Smoking causes 15,558 cases of cancer each year. While we know it is a hard addiction to kick - is it really worth such a high risk factor?

3. Be careful not to eat too much red and processed meats.

Not enough red meat is bad for you. But so is too much. Over consumption of red meat is responsible for 2600 cases of cancer in Australia.

4. Increase your intake of fruit.

1550 cases of cancer are caused by low fruit consumption each year in Australia.

5. Increase your fibre intake.

Eating more whole grains is a positive step towards preventing cancer.

6. Reduce your exposure to UV radiation.

Gone are the days where tanning was a good idea. We're much more sensible these days, and it's just as well - sun exposure can cause 7220 cases of cancer each year.

7. Don't become obese.

Obesity causes 3917 cases of cancer a year. By making people aware of this, the Cancer Council hopes to see a change in how people manage their well being.

8. If you have a poor diet, change it.

Consumption of junk food can have a big impact on your cancer risk. Cut down your intake.

9. Increase your physical activity.

Whether it's sitting on the couch for too long or not getting up from your desk, physical inactivity is a negative.

10.  Increase your vegetable consumption.

Introducing more vegetables into your diet will reduce the risk of cancer, according to the Cancer Council.

11. Breastfeed.

Breastfeeding for 12 months will prevent 235 cancer cases a year.

12. Contraceptive Pill.

The contraceptive pill causes 157 cases of cancer each year. The number is small, but one to be aware of.

13. Infections.

Infections such as Hepatitis cause up to 3421 instances of cancer annually, but the correct vaccinations can help prevent this.