Bacon, hot dogs boost cancer risk: WHO

By Robert King, Robert King

Published December 20, 2015

Bacon, hot dogs and other processed meats can increase the risk of colon cancer, according to the World Health Organization.

The world's leading health agency said the findings help support earlier recommendations for people to lower their intake of meat. The findings didn't conclude a definitive connection between increased cancer risk and red meat, but did say there is a connection between processed meats and colon cancer.

The WHO's cancer workgroup looked at up to 800 studies to reach its findings, which were disclosed on Monday.

The agency said each 50 mg portion of processed meat consumed by someone each day increases the risk of colon cancer by 18 percent.