New Study Finds Link Between Processed Meats and Cancer
According to a recently published study, consuming processed meats may increase the risk of certain types of cancer.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, found that people who ate the most processed meat had a higher risk of developing colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.
The study also found that the risk of these cancers was higher among people who ate processed meats more frequently. For example, people who ate processed meat five or more times per week had a 42% higher risk of colorectal cancer than those who ate processed meat less than once per week.
The researchers believe that the link between processed meats and cancer may be due to the presence of certain chemicals that are produced when meat is processed. These chemicals, which include nitrates, nitrites, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), have been shown to damage DNA and promote the growth of cancer cells.
The study's findings are concerning, as processed meats are a common part of the Western diet. In the United States, people consume an average of 20 pounds of processed meat per year. Processed meats include bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and deli meats.
The researchers say that more research is needed to confirm the link between processed meats and cancer. However, they recommend that people limit their consumption of processed meats and choose lean meats, fish, and poultry instead.
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