Just one serving of ham, sausage or bacon per day linked to increased risk of stomach cancer
A recent study focused more on cancers in the upper digestive tract, where the relationship has historically been less clear
Eating processed meats, such as ham and sausages, may be linked to an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, especially in the upper digestive tract, a new study indicates.
It is well known that processed meat can contribute to colon cancer, however, this study focused more on cancers in the upper digestive tract, where the relationship has historically been less clear, notes Fox News Digital.
The research, led by the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), involved 450,112 people in Europe and had an average duration of 14 years.
During follow-up, 876 cases of stomach cancer and 215 of esophageal adenocarcinoma were reported. A 9% increase in the risk of stomach cancer was found for every 30 grams of processed meat consumed daily. The researchers tracked the location of the stomach cancers, separating them into the upper part of the stomach, near the throat, and the lower part of the stomach.
Risk by gender
The findings showed that men had a more significant link between processed meat and stomach cancer. In contrast, women also showed an increased risk with white meat consumption.
Despite the link found, the researchers emphasize that further research is necessary to confirm these results and evaluate other underlying risk factors that could influence the relationship between diet and cancer.
Other factors that contribute to the risk of digestive cancer
In addition to processed meat, the Roswell Park organization points out that the main factors that increase the risk of cancer in the upper digestive tract (mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus and stomach) are: