Colon cancer, here I come.

JS Online: High consumption of red meat tied to colon cancer

For the study, researchers followed 148,610 people, aged 50 to 74, for nearly 10 years - a so-called prospective study. The meat-eating habits of the participants were noted at the time the study began and 10 years earlier.

Those who ate the most red meat at both points in time had a 29% greater chance of developing cancer in the lower colon than those who ate the least meat. High red meat consumption was at least 3 ounces (a typical single, fast-food burger) a day for men and 2 ounces for women.

High intake of processed meat, which included products such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs and lunch meat, increased the risk to 50%, compared with those who ate the least amount of processed meat. High processed meat intake was at least 5 to 6 ounces a week for men and 2 to 3 ounces for women each week. A piece of bologna weighs one ounce, and two slices of cooked bacon weigh just over a half-ounce.