Processed meat can cause bowel cancer according to new research.

Experts from the World Health Organisation have declared processed meat like bacon and sausages can cause bowel cancer, and red meat is also a likely cause of the disease.

The analysis of 800 studies from around the world by the International Agency for Research on Cancer found “sufficient evidence in humans that the consumption of processed meat causes colorectal cancer”.

The research shows consumption of 50 grams a day of processed meat increases bowel cancer risk by 18 percent.

Processed meat includes meat that has been salted, cured, fermented or smoked, such as hot dogs, sausages, corned beef, dried meat like beef jerky, canned meat or meat-based sauces.

Recommendations to limit the intake of meat, in particular processed forms, are supported by the new findings.

Read here for an interesting article about the study, including comments from Australia’s new chief scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, who says moderation is key when eating processed meat.