Prevention

There is a war going on, right on your television screen. No, it’s not Obama vs. McCain. It’s target is…hot dogs? A new organization, the Cancer Project is causing some major controversy over it’s new “Protect Our Kids,”T.V. spot. They are urging the USDA to remove hot dogs (and other processed meats) from school lunches. Currently, the USDA includes processed meat products as a reimbursable item for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and National School Breakfast Program.

Susan Levin, a dietitian said:

“The ad is based on a comprehensive report released late last year by the American Institute for Cancer Research and the World Cancer Research Fund. After reviewing all existing data on nutrition and cancer risk, scientists concluded that processed meats increase one’s risk of colorectal cancer, on average, by 21 percent for every 50 grams of processed meat consumed daily. That’s about the size of a typical hot dog.”

Scary. However, there is a strong reaction from the other side.

Janet Riley, president of the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council and the group’s “Queen of Wien” (does that seem really dorky, or is that just me?) was quoted as saying:

“The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is an animal rights organization, and their objective is a vegan society,”

Riley said the committee’s video ads, which feature a child saying he has colon cancer, is spreading fear.

“My 8-year-old son now thinks that hot dogs cause cancer, and it’s appalling and misleading,” Riley said.

I’m not sure how I feel about this campaign.  I can see both sides. I mean, I don’t eat meat myself because of the health risks, so I can definitely relate, but at the same time the focus and tactics seem so extreme. I also have a hard time being concerned about Riley’s son having misconceptions about hot dogs, when I’m sure the “Queen of Wein” want to continue to rake in money from hot dog and sausage sales.

I did a little research on my own. I didn’t find much linking colon cancer and meat eating, but I did find some on stomach cancer:

Although it may not be possible to prevent stomach cancer, the following steps can help reduce your risk:

Avoid nitrites and nitrates. These nitrogen compounds are known to contribute to stomach cancer. They’re found primarily in processed meats — bologna, salami and corned beef, for instance — and in cured meats such as ham and bacon.

Limit smoked, pickled and heavily salted foods. These have been linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer. Countries where the consumption of smoked, pickled and salted food is high have correspondingly high stomach cancer rates.

Limit red meat. Eating large amounts of red meat — particularly when it’s barbecued or well-done — increases your risk of stomach cancer. Instead, choose fish or poultry.

This shows that there are risks associated with meat, from a reputable source. I firmly believe that you should trust no one about what you put in your body: research for yourself!

Lastly, here is the ad in question:

I find the ad to be a little alarmist. I fear that it’s heart is in the right place, but that it might backfire because it’s so extreme (a la PETA…Why do you have to make vegans everywhere look crazy? Why?) What do you think?

Group urges schools to drop hot dogs from lunch menus
By Dana Hull
October 16, 2008
Full Article

Solid science backs anti-hot dog TV spot
by Susan Levin
September 8, 2008
Full Article

Stomach Cancer: Prevention
by Mayo Clinic Staff
April 9, 2007
Full Article

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