Even Small Amounts of Processed Meat Increase Risk for Cancer

A single slice of bacon consumed daily can increase the risk for colorectal cancer by 20 percent, according to a study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology. Researchers compared processed meat consumption with cancer risk and found that adding 25 grams of processed meat per day, about one slice of ham or bacon, increased the risk for cancer by about 20 percent when compared to those who consumed the least. Adding 50 grams of red meat per day, or one serving of roast beef or lamb, increased the risk by 19 percent. Those who consumed more fiber from bread and cereals reduced their risk by 14 percent. The authors recommend lowering your red and processed meat intake to keep cancer risk low.