Bacon, Ham, Sausages Linked to Increased Breast Cancer Risk

Processed meat was found to increase breast cancer risk. Therefore cutting down on processed meat seems beneficial for the prevention of breast cancer.

Processed meat (bacon, ham, sausages, salami, corned beef, beef jerky, canned meat) consumption was found to increase risk of developing breast cancer, warn researchers. The findings of the study are published in International Journal of Cancer. //

"Previous works linked increased risk of some types of cancer to higher processed meat intake, and this recent meta-analysis suggests that processed meat consumption may also increase breast cancer risk," said lead author Maryam Farvid, from the Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Processed Meat Intake can Worsen the Symptoms of Asthma
High intake of processed and cured meat can worsen asthma symptoms by 22 percent, finds a new study

‘Processed meat consumption was associated with a nine per cent higher breast cancer risk. ’

The study backs up previous findings of the World Health Organization (WHO), which says processed meats can cause cancer.

Processed meat refers to meat that has been transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or other processes to enhance flavour or improve preservation.

It is the chemicals involved in the processing which could be increasing the risk of cancer. High temperature cooking, such as on a barbecue, can also create carcinogenic chemicals.

Consumption of Red Meat Increases Breast Cancer Risk
Red meat consumption has long been suspected of contributing to cancer development. Find out how much red meat is too much.

Although red meats were "probably carcinogenic," there was limited evidence, the WHO noted.

Processed and red meat are also linked to increased risks of death from heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses.

Quiz on Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women. It is often said that a woman who breast-feeds is at a lower risk of developing cancer compared to another who does not .Are these mere old wives tales or is there some truth in it? This quiz on breast cancer has all the details.

But, the researchers recommend cutting down on the meat rather than eliminating it, as it is also known to have health benefits.

Currently, the National Health Service recommends eating no more than 70g of red and processed meat a day.

Woman Credits Sausage McMuffins for Successful Pregnancy
A 34-year old woman from Essex credits sausage McMuffins for finally being able to carry her triplets to full term.

Source-IANS