Processed meat linked to pancreatic cancer

Yes, I heard that too. There's long been a thought that the chemicals used as preservatives in some brands contribute to cancer - nitrates etc. Best to read the labels, buy from a reliable source and (sadly) don't go for the cheapest.

Humans have been eating pigs for a very long time, both fresh and preserved. I shan't stop eating bacon and sausages, nor salamis etc, which are not in my diet every day, but probably occur once a fortnight.

Viv 8)

Me too, Sid - I find "nothing to excess" is the best motto. Except red wine, of course :lol:

If we stopped eating everything that is supposed to cause cancer we'd starve to death. I admit that "modern" food processing techniques have probably made things worse by adding so many chemicals - the best reason for eating fresh food of as good a quality as you can afford.

I have the occasional ham sandwich too - in multi-grain bread with lettuce and mayonnaise. I'm not keen on mustard.

Viv 8)

I keep processed meats to a minimum after reading research that it can increase the chances of bowel cancer a few years back, the smoking process in some meats such as bacon is said to increase the risk of cancer considerably so it's best to keep below the RDA in my opinion.

I am able to source bacon and sausages from the local farmer's market... no preservatives or nitrates. They offer single or double-smoked bacon and my preference is for the single.

As mentioned above: if we avoided everything that they told us was bad for us, we would have nothing left to eat! It becomes a question of balance... my way of eating controls my BGs, weight, lipids etc... is that worth the small risk of increasing certain rare forms of cancer? I am destined to die at some stage anyway :wink: