smoked to extend their shelf life or enhance their flavor. Examples include deli meats, sausages, bacon, hot dogs, and beef jerky.
Large-scale epidemiological studies have established a clear link between high consumption of processed meats and an increased risk of cancer, particularly breast, colorectal, and lung cancer. A daily intake of 50 grams of processed meat increases the risk of cancer by 18%. Fifty grams is the equivalent of two slices of bacon or a deli meat sandwich eaten daily for lunch.