There’s something about the smell of bacon that makes it hard to resist.

Unfortunately, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), consuming processed meats like sausages, bacon and hot dogs can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.

What Are Carcinogens?

Before diving into the specifics of processed meats, it’s important to understand what carcinogens are. Simply put, carcinogens are substances or agents that have the ability to cause cancer.

They can be found in a variety of sources, including tobacco smoke, certain chemicals, and even some foods.

The WHO’s Findings

In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization, issued a report stating that processed meats are carcinogenic to humans.

This means that consuming these types of meats can increase the risk of developing cancer.

What are Processed Meats?

Processed meats are those that have been transformed through methods like salting, curing, smoking, or adding preservatives. This includes sausages, hot dogs, bacon, ham, and deli meats.

These types of meats tend to have a longer shelf life and are convenient, but unfortunately, they are not healthy choices for consumption.

Cancer Risks

The IARC report found that consuming just 50 grams (about two slices) of processed meat daily increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 18%.

Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum and is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. It’s important to note that this increase in risk is for regular consumption of processed meats over a long period of time.

Why Are Processed Meats Carcinogenic?

So, what is it about processed meats that makes them carcinogenic? One theory is that the chemicals used in processing, such as nitrates and nitrites, can react with proteins in the meat and form compounds called nitrosamines.

These compounds have been shown to cause cancer in animals, and the IARC believes that they likely have the same effect on humans.

What About Fresh Meat?

In contrast to processed meats, fresh meats have not been transformed through these methods. While they are not completely off the hook as a potential cancer-causing agent, they are not considered to be as risky as processed meats.

What Can You Do to Reduce Your Cancer Risk?

While it can be difficult to give up some of our favorite foods, especially those that we have eaten for years, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

One of the best things you can do is to limit your consumption of processed meats. Instead, try incorporating more fresh meats, poultry, and fish into your diet. Additionally, increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains you eat can also help reduce the risk of cancer.

Conclusion

The WHO’s findings on processed meats and cancer have certainly caused a stir in the media. While it may be hard to give up some of our favorite foods, it’s important to understand the risks associated with consuming highly processed meats.

By making small changes to our diets, we can take steps to help reduce our risk of developing certain types of cancer.