Hot Dogs as Bad for You as Cigarettes?

After a review of more than 800 studies, The International Agency of Cancer Research concluded processed meat is a “definite cause” of colorectal cancer — making processed meats equal in risk for colorectal cancer as tobacco is a risk for lung cancer.

The World Health Organization classified smoked, cured, salted, and canned meats and meat with added sodium nitrite as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning the scientific evidence firmly links it to cancer. That includes common meats like sausages, hot dogs, salami, bacon, ham, corned beef, smoked meat, beef jerky, luncheon meats, and canned meat.  According to the research, as little as 1 ounce of processed meat per day – one hot dog or about six pieces of bacon – raises the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%.  Unfortunately, the risk of other cancers were elevated as well. Red and processed meats increase the risk for stomach, prostate and pancreatic cancers, but the risk for colorectal cancer is the greatest.