Based on findings of a recent study researchers say eating hamburgers too often may increase the risk of developing cancer. Researchers say they have
Based on findings of a recent study researchers say eating hamburgers too often may increase the risk of developing cancer. Researchers say they have found a correlation between high consumption of red and processed meat, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, and lunch meats like ham, salami and bologna, and an increased risk for colon cancer.
For the study, nearly 149,000 meat eaters between ages 50 and 74 were sampled, first in 1982, then again between 1992 and 2001. During that time span, 1,667 cases of colorectal cancers were diagnosed. Data showed those who consumed the most meat had a 50-percent higher risk of distal colon cancer, which is a section of the colon near the rectum. People with a higher consumption ratio of red meat to poultry and fish were found to have a 53-percent increased risk for distal cancer.Researchers conclude saying that their results demonstrate the potential value of examining long-term meat consumption in assessing risk and strengthen the evidence that prolonged high consumption of red and processed meat may increase the risk of cancer in the distal portion of the large intestine.
