Good Weekend Talks Processed meats and cancer: How a shock diagnosis of stage four bowel cancer drove Lucie Morris-Marr to investigate the links
Jan 31, 2025
Lucie Morris-Marr, a journalist and author of "Processed," shares her harrowing journey after being diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer at 44. She dives into the alarming links between processed meats and cancer, exposing how nitrites in items like ham and hot dogs are a hidden health risk. Morris-Marr discusses the broader implications of these findings, the challenges of navigating medical advice, and her fight for greater public awareness. Her story is one of resilience, urging listeners to rethink their dietary choices.
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Hidden Dangers of Processed Meat
- Public awareness of processed meat dangers remains low despite numerous studies.
- The World Health Organization declared processed meat a class one carcinogen in 2015, alongside asbestos and tobacco.
Sodium Nitrate: A Key Concern
- Preservative 250, or sodium nitrate, is a key ingredient in processed meats used for flavor, color, and preservation.
- Research suggests sodium nitrate can interact with meat to form nitrosamines, potentially leading to various cancers and illnesses.
Personal Journey with Bowel Cancer
- Lucie Morris-Marr shares her personal experience with stage four bowel cancer, emphasizing its impact on her and others.
- She advocates for awareness, not dietary restrictions, wanting people to be informed about the risks associated with processed meats.