When it comes to cancer, some foods can be more dangerous than others.
Red and processed meats
are the most concerning in terms of cancer risk. Red meat includes pork, veal, and lamb, while processed meat includes bacon, ham, cold cuts, jerky, sausages, salami and other cured meat products. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is “convincing evidence” that processed meat causes cancer and is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen.It is specifically related to colorectal and stomach cancer. Red meat is classified as Group 2A, which means it is “probably carcinogenic to humans” and is linked to colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. The Cancer Council recommends limiting consumption of cooked red meat to 65-100g per week. Alcohol is also a Group 1 carcinogen and is linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, breast, liver, stomach and intestine. The risk associated with alcohol consumption is thought to be dose-dependent; in other words, having a glass of wine with dinner from time to time does not have the same negative effect as consuming several units of alcohol in excess at one time.
However, a study suggests that moderate consumption of red wine may be related to lower overall mortality and a lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke. Chinese-style salted fish is also a Group 1 carcinogen due to the carcinogenic by-products produced during the salting process. Tomatoes contain high amounts of lycopene which offers “moderate protection” against prostate cancer for those who consume large amounts of raw tomato. Eating citrus fruits may also reduce the risk of esophageal and pancreatic cancer; a review showed that consuming at least three servings per week reduced the risk of stomach cancer by 28%.No single food can prevent cancer but eating whole foods that are high in fiber reduces the risk of bowel cancer. It's best to stay away from highly refined and processed foods as well as fried foods that contain lots of hydrogenated oils which can increase inflammation.
Be sure to read nutrition labels and prepare as much of your own food as possible during cancer treatment. In conclusion, it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with certain foods when it comes to cancer. Red and processed meats are classified as Group 1 carcinogens and should be limited in your diet. Alcohol consumption should also be limited due to its link with various types of cancer. Chinese-style salted fish should also be avoided due to its carcinogenic properties.
Eating whole foods that are high in fiber can help reduce your risk of bowel cancer while consuming raw tomatoes may offer some protection against prostate cancer. Citrus fruits may also reduce the risk of esophageal and pancreatic cancer.