According to the World Health Organization, Processed meats such as bacon and ham do cause cancer. 50g of processed meat a day now increases the chance of developing colorectal cancer by 18%. The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has warned for a number of years that there is ‘strong evidence’ that eating a ridiculous amount of red meat can cause bowel cancer. Meat does have health benefits.
Red meat for instance is a good source of protein and provides vitamins and minerals, such as iron and zinc. However, Processed meats which have been modified (smoked, or salted for preservation), either to increase shelf-life or alter flavour are the problem. These additions increase the risk of cancer benefits.