It is still unknown which foods are most important to reduce the risk of cancer, but certain dietary patterns have been shown to provide protection.
One category of foods that frequently raise concerns about people’s health is processed meat because of its connection to colorectal cancer.
Tumor hospitalist Dr. Tim Tiutan explained why meats like bacon, ham, sausages and deli meat can prove to be problematic.
The general consensus is that risk increases with the amount of processed meat consumed.
Colon cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide
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“Curification of meat, such as hardening, smoking, salt or chemical preservation, forms carcinogenic chemicals called NOCs and PAHs,” he explained.
“Studies have been conducted that show that eating 50 grams of processed meat a day increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%.”
The doctor continued. “Several studies suggest a strong link between eating processed meat and intake of a variety of cancers, including breast, lung, esophagus, stomach, bladder and colorectal cancers.
“I’m not a vegetarian, but I make conscious decisions to reduce the amount of processed meat I eat.
“A plant-based diet and a Mediterranean diet have a lot of research behind its health benefits.”
An important problematic aspect of processed meat is the nitrates and nitrites added to store and color them.
These can cause problems when exposed to heat or react with other compounds.
Intervention gastroenterologists from the Hope City of Lance Uradomo, MD, recently strengthened these points during a conversation with GB News.
Dr. Tiutan limits the intake of processed meat
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“It is important to limit or cut highly processed foods, such as hot dogs, bacon, chips, and sugar drinks that are associated with several types of cancer.
“Reducing or eliminating alcohol is also a focused lifestyle factor. A common recent report from surgeons details the relationship between alcohol and the risk of at least several types of cancer.”
Dr. Uradamo noted that certain foods cannot rule out the possibility of developing cancer, but eating an overall healthy diet has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer.
“A diet that features vegetables, whole berries, legumes and whole grains and restricts sugar, refined grains, processed foods, red and processed meat can prevent breast, colorectal cancer and prostate cancer,” he pointed out.
