Though it's still unclear which foods are most important to reduce the risk of cancer, certain dietary patterns have been shown to offer protection.
One category of foods that frequently raises concerns for people’s health is processed meat due to its links with colorectal cancer.
Oncology hospitalist, Dr Tim Tiutan, explained why meats like bacon, ham, sausages and deli meat can prove problematic.
The general consensus is that the risk increases with the amount of processed meat consumed.
Colon cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide
GETTY“Processing meat, such as through curing, smoking, salting, or chemical preservation results in the formation of carcinogenic chemicals called Noc and Pah," he explained.
“A study was done showing that eating 50 grams of processed meat a day increased, the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 per cent."
The doctor continued: "Multiple studies have suggested a strong association between eating processed meats and getting various cancers, including breast, lung, oesophageal, stomach, bladder and colorectal cancer.
“I am not vegetarian, but I do make conscious decisions to lower the amount of processed meat I eat.
“Plant-based diets and the Mediterranean diet have a lot of research behind their health benefits.”
A key problematic aspect of processed meat is nitrates and nitrites added to preserve and colour them.
These become problematic when they are exposed to heat or react with other compounds.
Interventional gastroenterologist at the City of Hope, Lance Uradomo, M.D. recently reinforced these points during a conversation with GB News.
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Dr Tiutan limits his intake of processed meat
GETTY / TIKTOK
“It’s important to limit or cut out highly processed foods such as hot dogs, bacon, chips and sugar drinks which have been linked to several types of cancer.
“Reducing or eliminating alcohol is also a lifestyle factor to focus on - the surgeon’s general recent report details the connection between alcohol and the risk of at least several types of cancer.”
Dr Uradamo noted that while no specific foods can eliminate the chances of developing cancer, eating an overall healthy diet has been shown to reduce cancer risk.
“Diets that feature vegetables, whole fruit, legumes and whole grains, and limit added sugars, refined grains, processed foods, red and processed meat, may prevent breast, colorectal and prostate cancers," he noted.
