The more overweight you are, the greater your risk for developing cancer — especially cancer of the breast, colorectum, endometrium, kidney, oesophagus, and pancreas.

According to a new report from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), you should keep your Body Mass Index (BMI) within the 20 to 25 range to minimize your cancer risk.

Most people have a BMI higher than this range.

The researchers also found that gaining weight can increase your risk of cancer even if you’re in the healthy BMI range.

So they advise you to avoid weight gain as an adult if you’re in the healthy range and lose weight if you’re already overweight.

Here are some of the other dietary conclusions they reached:

1. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancers of the breast, colorectum, larynx, mouth, oesophagus, and pharynx.

It also causes cirrhosis which is linked to liver cancer.

2. Eating processed and red meats significantly raises the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

People who eat the most processed or red meat have a 30% higher risk when compared to those who eat the least.

Processed meats include bacon and ham.

3. For new mothers, breastfeeding exclusively during the first six months protects you from breast cancer.

It also reduces the chance of your child becoming obese later in life.

4. Foods high in folate may reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.

5. Diets rich in calcium may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.

The researchers didn’t believe that dietary supplements were useful in preventing cancer.

They also didn’t find a protective effect from eating fruits and vegetables.

Even so, they recommend that people eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables each day.