Hotdogs: Are They Linked to Cancer?

Dr Neal Barnard of the US Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine has stated that colorectal cancer could be increased by hotdogs! Baseball fans, he suggests, will consume more than 20 million hotdogs during the 2013 season in the US, but eating just one hotdog a day can significantly increase your risk of colorectal cancer. This form of cancer kills more than 50,000 people every year. This is not a new suggestion – there have been studies previously which have linked a high animal protein diet with cancer. Just one 50g serving of processed meats each day, such as sausages, bacon and ham, can increase your risk of colorectal cancer by as much as 21 percent.

The risk of colon cancer in women is increased by eating red meat on a daily basis by as much as 250 percent, whereas those who eat it less than once a month suffer a far lower risk. Likewise, the risk of colon cancer in those who eat poultry once a week is increased by 55 percent, compared to those who don’t eat it at all. Researchers also found that the risk of colon cancer is 200 to 300 percent greater in those who eat poultry four times a week, in comparison to those who don’t eat it at all. In order to reduce the risk, it’s believed that you should increase the amount of B-vitamins and folic acid – dark green leafy vegetables, beans and peas are all rich sources of this.

A balanced diet that provides your body with all of the necessary nutrients, alongside a regular dose of exercise, is one of the ways to ensure your body has a better defence against illnesses and disease. If you’re concerned about the risks of cancer or think you may have symptoms, speak to your GP who can advise you.