Colorectal cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide, affecting the colon or rectum. It accounted for an estimated 1.9 million new cases in 2022 and more than 900,000 deaths, making it the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Although the disease is more common among people aged 50 and older, cases among younger adults have been rising in some parts of the world. Early stages may cause few or no symptoms, while warning signs can include persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer. These include age, family history, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking and alcohol consumption. Diet also plays a role, with research linking certain eating habits to a higher risk of the disease.
One doctor says he noticed a recurring dietary pattern among patients he treated over 17 years. Speaking to GB News, Dr. Tim Tiutan observed that 80% of the patients he operated on had consumed sausages, hot dogs, smoked meats or other processed meat products.
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Tiutan, a US-based doctor with a background in cancer research, discussed the risks associated with these foods in comments to GB News. He explained that meat processing methods such as curing, smoking, salting and chemical preservation can lead to the formation of compounds associated with cancer.
The WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence that it causes cancer in humans.
The WHO estimates that eating 50 grams of processed meat every day is associated with an 18% increase in the relative risk of developing colorectal cancer. The risk generally rises with the amount consumed.
Processed meat includes products that have been transformed through curing, salting, smoking, fermentation or other preservation methods. Examples include sausages, hot dogs, ham, salami and corned beef.
