Deli meats like bologna and sliced turkey are a popular sandwich ingredient that requires minimal preparation. Because these meats are made to be a bit more durable and shelf safe than their minimally-processed counterparts, they contain ingredients that can increase your risk of health problems. Some of the ingredients used in deli meats may increase your risk of developing pancreatic cancer, the fourth highest cause of death by cancer, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. However, when eaten in moderation, deli meats are not likely to cause serious problems. Check with your doctor before making significant changes to your eating habits.
Pancreatic Cancer
The pancreas is a large gland located deep within your abdomen that facilitates the digestion process. Due to the pancreas’ location, symptoms of pancreatic cancer often do not occur until the condition has become serious. Symptoms of pancreatic cancer include pain in the abdomen or back as cancer cells grow into a tumor that presses on nerves. In addition, pancreatic cancer can cause gradual, but unusual, weight loss, poor appetite and onset of diabetes due to the compromise of the pancreas which secretes the hormone, insulin.
Sodium in Deli Meat
Sodium is commonly found in significant quantities in deli meats. A single serving of deli bologna, for example, contains 302 mg of sodium. MedlinePlus explains that the average adult should consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium daily. Chronic excess consumption of sodium can lead to hypertension or high blood pressure. Consuming a high-sodium diet is also associated with eating highly-processed foods, according to the University of Nebraska. While sodium is not directly linked to pancreatic cancer, a diet of highly-processed foods is associated with risk factors for pancreatic cancer such as obesity and diabetes.
Processed Meats and Pancreatic Cancer
Harvard School of Public Health explains that consuming processed meats is associated with an increased risk of adult-onset or Type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes, which is also associated with obesity, is a significant risk factor for developing pancreatic cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. They explain, however, that in some cases, diabetes may result from impaired functioning of the pancreas due to pancreatic cancer. Being more physically active and attaining a healthy weight can decrease your risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Decreasing or eliminating foods that can contribute to obesity such as deli meats can help achieve this.
Considerations
Any food consumed in excess has the potential to cause health problems. Deli meats can be a convenient way to have a quick meal but because they are so highly processed, they should be used in moderate amounts. Several factors can contribute to an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer, including a family history, smoking and gender, with men having a slightly higher risk. Preventable risk factors, however, outnumber those you cannot control, according to the American Cancer Society.
References
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Pancreatic Cancer and African-Americans
- National Cancer Institute: Pancreatic Cancer
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Symptoms and Side-Effects
- MedlinePlus: Sodium in Diet
- University of Nebraska: Commonsense Nutrition for Women
- Harvard School of Public Health: Eating Processed Meats, But Not Unprocessed Red Meats, May Raise Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes
- United States Department of Agriculture: Bologna, Beef
