Processed Meat Increases Stomach Cancer Risk A new review has found that increasing the consumption of processed meats dramatically
increases the risk for stomach cancer. The meta-analysis published in the Journal
of the National Cancer Institute reviewed the evidence from studies conducted
between January 1966 and March 2006 on processed meat consumption and stomach
cancer risk. The review found that increasing consumption of processed meats–like
bacon, ham, and sausage–by just 1-ounce daily increased stomach cancer
risk by 15 percent to 38 percent. One ounce of processed meat is equivalent
to approximately two strips of bacon or one small slice of deli ham. Stomach
cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide and claims about
700,000 lives annually.
Larsson SC, Orsini N, Wolk A. Processed meat consumption
and stomach cancer risk: a meta-analysis. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2006
Aug 2;98(15):1078-87.
Adult Weight Gain Increases Risk for All Types of Breast Cancer
More evidence shows that being overweight increases a woman’s
risk for breast cancer. The relationship between weight gain and
a type of invasive breast cancer among 44,161 postmenopausal women
was examined by a group of scientists at the American Cancer Society.
Women with over 60 pounds of adult weight gain were nearly two
times as likely as women with 20 pounds or less of adult weight
gain to develop one form of breast cancer. Weight gain was associated
with increased risk for all types, stages, and grades of breast
cancer, particularly advanced cases. Obese women were three times
as likely to develop regional or distant metastases compared with
women who had minimal weight gain in adulthood. This study emphasizes
the importance of maintaining a healthy weight throughout life.
Feigelson HS, Patel AV, Teras LR, Gansler T, Thun MJ, Calle EE.
Adult weight gain and histopathologic characteristics of breast
cancer among postmenopausal women. Cancer. 2006 Jul 1;107(1):12-21.
Lifestyle Changes More Likely with
Education After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Researchers in Providence, R.I., sought to determine why some breast
cancer patients change their diets and lifestyles after diagnosis
while others do not. Many breast cancer survivors eat fewer than
five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, consume too much
fat, and lead sedentary lifestyles. This study found that cancer
survivors who believed their cancer was caused by poor diet, lack
of exercise, or alcohol consumption—or who believed a diet
change would help ward off recurrence—were more likely to
change these behaviors. Reducing fat intake, increasing fiber intake,
consuming plenty of vegetables, exercising, and maintaining a healthy
weight are all believed to increase breast cancer survival. Educating
breast cancer survivors on these important factors will increase
their likelihood of making positive lifestyle changes.
Rabin C,
Pinto B. Cancer-related beliefs and health behavior change among
breast cancer survivors and their first-degree relatives. Psycho-Oncology. 2006
Aug;15(8):701-12.
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Cancer Project is a nonprofit PCRM subsidiary that advances
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and research.
A new review has found that increasing the consumption of processed meats dramatically
increases the risk for stomach cancer. The meta-analysis published in the Journal
of the National Cancer Institute reviewed the evidence from studies conducted
between January 1966 and March 2006 on processed meat consumption and stomach
cancer risk. The review found that increasing consumption of processed meats–like
bacon, ham, and sausage–by just 1-ounce daily increased stomach cancer
risk by 15 percent to 38 percent. One ounce of processed meat is equivalent
to approximately two strips of bacon or one small slice of deli ham. Stomach
cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide and claims about
700,000 lives annually. 
Researchers in Providence, R.I., sought to determine why some breast
cancer patients change their diets and lifestyles after diagnosis
while others do not. Many breast cancer survivors eat fewer than
five servings of fruits and vegetables daily, consume too much
fat, and lead sedentary lifestyles. This study found that cancer
survivors who believed their cancer was caused by poor diet, lack
of exercise, or alcohol consumption—or who believed a diet
change would help ward off recurrence—were more likely to
change these behaviors. Reducing fat intake, increasing fiber intake,
consuming plenty of vegetables, exercising, and maintaining a healthy
weight are all believed to increase breast cancer survival. Educating
breast cancer survivors on these important factors will increase
their likelihood of making positive lifestyle changes. 
The
Cancer Project