BEIJING, April 22 -- Researchers have found that heavy consumers of processed meats are nearly 70 percent more likely to develop cancer of the pancreas.    

A large multiethnic study unveils that a diet containing lots of processed meats, like hot dogs and sausages, raises the risk of pancreatic cancer.

    A large multiethnic study unveils that a diet containing lots of processed meats, like hot dogs and sausages, raises the risk of pancreatic cancer.

    The researchers found that heavy consumers of processed meats -- 40 grams a day or more -- were nearly 70 percent more likely to develop cancer of the pancreas than study participants with the lowest intake.

    In addition, a diet rich in pork and red meat -- 70 grams a day or more -- also increased pancreatic cancer risk by about 50 percent.

    Consumption of poultry, fish, dairy products and eggs showed no link to pancreatic cancer risk, nor did overall intake of total fat, saturated fat, or cholesterol.

    Dr. Ute Nothlings, the study's lead investigator from the University of Hawaii, said the results suggest that carcinogenic substances related to meat preparation, rather than their inherent fat or cholesterol content, might be responsible.

    She noted, however, that the study did not examine cooking methods and her team is now working to collect that data.

(Source: CRIENGLISH.com)