Every sausage you consume could be bringing you one step closer to a nasty case of bowel cancer, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. According to the organization, by consuming 1.8 ounces (50g) of processed meat every day, the risk of developing cancern increases 20 per cent. The statistics used in the study applies to residents of Britan, however the quality of meat in North America isn't exactly heralded for its healthy properties either.

Most individuals are not cognizant of the effect of eating large amounts of processed meat can have on their health, however experts say that since bowel cancer is responsible for 16,000 deaths in Britain each year (second only to lung cancer), people may want to think twice before heaping pork links and bacon onto their plates.

Professor Martin Wiseman, the charity's medical and scientific adviser, said: "We are more sure now than ever before that eating processed meat increases your risk of bowel cancer and this is why WCRF recommends that people avoid eating it. The evidence is that whether you are talking about bacon, ham or pastrami, the safest amount to eat is none at all. When you consider that eating 50g of processed meat a day can increase your risk of bowel cancer by about a fifth, it is clear that you can make a positive difference by cutting out as much as possible."

"We do recommend that people avoid it completely, but it is not a case of all or nothing," he added. "Cutting down the amount of processed meat you eat can also reduce your risk of developing bowel cancer. But we need to do more to get this message across because if two-thirds of people don't know about the link between processed meat and bowel cancer, then they are not in a position to be able to make informed decisions about whether to eat it or not."

The study also indicated that your chances of developing prostate, lung, stomach or esophagus cancer are greater with the consumption of processed meats. Instead, it is recommended that people stick to no more than 18 ounces of cooked red meat (27 ounces of uncooked meat) each week and that it be the leanest type available. A diet consisting of fish, chicken, beans, lentils, fruits and vegetables is also advised for reducing cancer risks.

The study results come on the cusp of Bowel Awareness Month, which launches tomorrow.

» Daily Mail