Do hotdogs cause childhood leukemia?
Back in 1994, several studies implicated hot dogs in raising the risk of childhood leukemia. While the results of the most recent study, the Northern California Childhood Leukemia Study (NCCLS), showed no increased risk, parents may choose to have their children avoid nitrate-containing hot dogs just to be safe. Nitrates are used as preservatives in many processed meats, including bacon, and lead to the formation of those potentially carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds (NOCs). What types of cancers are linked to meat? Colorectal cancer has been studied most extensively and linked most conclusively to both red and processed meats. Consumption of these meats seems to cause a modest increase in risk of colorectal cancer. Men who eat red meat frequently also appear to have a higher risk of prostate cancer. Lastly, frequent consumption of red meat may raise the risk of breast cancer in women. Aside from these three, various other cancers including stomach, pancreatic, kidney, and esophageal ha