Eating processed meats like hot dogs, sausages and bacon can cause colorectal cancer in humans, and red meat is also a likely cause of the disease.
That’s according to a report from the World Health Organization.
Dr. Katie Wright is with the Ontario branch of the Canadian Cancer Society and admits there is a link but notes the relative risks of processed meat compared to tobacco is relatively low.
Wright says tobacco causes 85% of lung cancer, but processed meat attributes to about 28% of all bowel cancers.
She suggests limiting the consumption of red meat to three times a week and to avoid processed meat all together.
Wright is also advocating for routine screening, especially for anyone over the age of 50.
She says anyone with questions or concerns should call the Cancer Information Service line at 1-888-939-3333.
