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Bacon and Skinless Chicken Associated With Bladder Cancer

A new study from the Harvard School of Public Health finds that meat—including chicken—intake is associated with an increased risk for bladder cancer. A data analysis of 47,422 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study and 88,471 women from the Nurse’s Health Study showed that individuals consuming more than five servings of bacon each week had a 59 percent increased risk for bladder cancer compared with those who ate no bacon. Additionally, those who ate more than five servings of chicken without skin each week had a 52 percent increase in bladder cancer risk compared with those who ate none. Researchers hypothesize that nitrosamines, heterocyclic amines (known carcinogens), or both may play a role.

Michaud DS, Holick CN, Giovannucci E, Stampfer MJ. Meat intake and bladder cancer risk in 2 prospective cohort studies. Am J Clin Nutr 2006;84:1177-1183.

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