It would seem that the big eaters of processed meats, including deli-type meats, are more likely to develop prostate cancer. The big eaters of red meat are also affected, but to a lesser extent.
A recent study was conducted with 175,343 men aged 50 to 71 years. Initially, none of them had cancer. Nine years later, 10,313 of these men were diagnosed with prostate cancer, of which 1,102 were at an advanced stage with metastases.
Those who ate lots of deli-meats were 32% more likely to have cancer. For red meat eaters, the rate was 12% and among fans of grilled meats, 11%.
Although they represent a new factor, processed meats would be part of secondary factors and do not account for other likely factors such as history, race, age, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, vasectomy, benign prostate and sexually transmitted inflictions.
Researchers believe that nitrites and nitrates that are primarily found in processed meats would be responsible for the increased risk of cancer. It may also be related to chemical agents present in the meat during cooking.