A new study has linked processed meat, like this thinly-sliced turkey, with a higher risk of breast cancer. Alamy
A new study has linked processed meat, like this thinly-sliced turkey, with a higher risk of breast cancer. Alamy

Growing evidence of link between processed meat and breast cancer



Doctors have reiterated warnings about eating excessive amounts of processed meat after a further link was established between its consumption and cancer.

According to a study published in The International Journal of Cancer, women who consumed high levels of processed meat faced a 9 per cent increase in their risk of breast cancer, compared to those who ate only a little.

The American Institute for Cancer Research defines processed meat as "meat preserved by smoking, curing or salting, or the addition of chemical preservatives". That includes everything from deli meat to sausages and hot dogs.

The review included data on more than one million women from 15 studies that each used different definitions of excessive consumption. In one study, high consumption of processed meat was defined as more than nine grammes a day, while in others it was a lot higher.

However, some doctors have urged people to treat the findings with caution.

“This is an observational study and not a randomised study,” said Dr Sai Babu Jonnada, a consultant oncologist at Al Zahra Hospital Sharjah.

Other doctors also point out that people who eat excessive amounts of processed meats may also be prone to other unhealthy behaviours.

“The person who would not be conscious of the amount of meat that they are eating, they would probably not be cautious of smoking, drinking and doing regular exercise on a daily basis,” said Dr Tamer Abdelgawad, medical director of Advanced Care Oncology Centre.

Dr Jonnada said the results of the study suggest that people do not have to cut processed meat out completely – but it would be advisable to reduce their consumption of it.

____________

Read more:

Ultra-processed foods: what are they and are you eating too many?

UAE supermarkets take action on energy drink sales

Too many Emirati students are drinking energy drinks — and one in five slug them every day

____________

The link between processed food and cancer is already well established, say doctors.

In 2015, processed meat was classified as a carcinogen, or cause of cancer, by The International Agency for Research on Cancer.

And earlier this year, a study published in the British Medical Journal established a link between the disease and highly processed foods, such as cakes, chicken nuggets and mass produced bread.

The problem with processed meat is that its consistency is altered during production by adding salt or chemicals, say experts.

“By doing so, you are changing the tissue and at the same time you are increasing the oxidants in your body,” said Dr Abdelgawad.

“Creating a huge amount of these oxidants could create a link to cancer.”

However, there are many factors in the development of cancer, particularly when it comes to breast cancer, according to doctors.

“Everyone has a baseline risk of developing cancer based on their family history and genetic make-up and this can’t be changed unfortunately, yet,” said Dr Jonnada.

“It varies from person to person. We can avoid increasing this inherent risk by living a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, not smoking, a healthy diet and so on.”

Dr. Abdelgawad suggests a diet consisting mainly of vegetables, with protein derived mainly from fish like salmon, rather than red meat for three or four days a week. Red meat should be limited to two days and one day should be completely vegetarian, said Dr. Abdelgawad.

“Another very important thing we should do to protect ourselves is to have a good amount of fluids daily,” he said.

“This is very important. By fluid I mean water mainly because we shouldn’t be using coffee and tea because it has a lot of issues.”

Exercise is also important, said Dr Abdelgawad.

“Even if it’s just a 25 minute walk each day,” he said.

Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

A%20Little%20to%20the%20Left
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMax%20Inferno%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PC%2C%20Mac%2C%20Nintendo%20Switch%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E4%2F5%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY PROFILE

Company: Bidzi

● Started: 2024

● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid

● Based: Dubai, UAE

● Industry: M&A

● Funding size: Bootstrapped

● No of employees: Nine

Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
  • Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
  • Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
  • Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
 
 

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

The specs

Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors

Power: 480kW

Torque: 850Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)

On sale: Now

Vidaamuyarchi

Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

THE DETAILS

Kaala

Dir: Pa. Ranjith

Starring: Rajinikanth, Huma Qureshi, Easwari Rao, Nana Patekar  

Rating: 1.5/5 

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

Company profile

Name: Infinite8

Based: Dubai

Launch year: 2017

Number of employees: 90

Sector: Online gaming industry

Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor