This is not a new knowledge. Previous research studies (over 100 studies) have reported harmful effects of Processed red meat since late 1990's. Today's report by the World Health Organization (WHO) is based on a larger data, and it goes a step further to include Processed Meat in the same class of tobacco and asbestos, as a cancer-causing agent.

The report states that simply eating 50 grams of Processed Meat each day--the equivalent of two slices of ham or one hot dog--can increase the risk of colon and stomach cancers by 18%.

The organization defines processed meat as any type of meat that is salted, cured or smoked to enhance its flavor or for preserving it. Processed meat generally contains pork or beef, but may occassionally contain poultry.

Meta-analysis by WHO classifies processed meat in the same category as tobacco and asbestos, based on its certainty of a link with cancer, but stresses that it did not mean they were equally dangerous.

Unprocessed red meat such as steak and lamb shanks are also classified as "probably carcinogenic". According to estimates cited by WHO, about 34,000 cancer deaths per year worldwide are due to diets that are high in processed meat. That's a small fraction of the 8.2 million deaths caused by cancer in 2012, according to the data published in the study.

Processed meat consumption has widely increased all over the world and this practice has destroyed the nutritive value of red meat. Lean red meat and fresh meat are still necessary in moderation in diets for essential fatty acids, protein and minerals. The report warns mainly against consumption of processed meat.