Forty percent of cancers could be prevented if people made healthy lifestyle changes, according to an International Union Against Cancer report, Associated Press reported.

The report showed that many of the top cancers in Western nations, such as lung, breast and colon cancer, can be avoided if people stop smoking, lower alcohol consumption, avoid too much sun, and use exercise and diet to maintain a healthy weight.

The report also indicated that about 21 percent of cancers resulted from untreated infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis. (HPV causes cervical cancer and hepatitis leads to stomach and liver cancers.)

Globally, about 80 percent of people living in poor countries who have cervical cancer die bcause they lack access to the HPV vaccine.

“Policymakers around the world have the opportunity and obligation to use these vaccines to save people’s lives and educate their communities towards lifestyle choices and control measures that reduce their risk of cancer,” said Cary Adams, chief executive of the International Union Against Cancer.

Learn how proper food pairing can cut your risk of cancer and other diseases here.