According to figures from the National Cancer Institute, cancer is among the leading cause of death among children younger than 14 years. It’s estimated that over 11,000 new cases were diagnosed in 2019, with leukemia, lymphomas, and brain cancers being the most common.
With such worrying statistics, findings associating hotdogs with an increased risk of developing leukemia in children are a merited source of concern. In particular, research conducted by a team of scientists from the University of Southern California School of Medicine in Los Angeles claimed that children who ate more than a dozen hotdogs every month were 9 times more likely to develop leukemia.
The findings, which were published in the Journal of Cancer Causes and Control, shed light on the relation between “food items thought to be precursors or inhibitors of N-nitroso compounds (NOC) and risk of leukemia.” This might help explain the high incidence of childhood brain tumors and leukemia over the last few decades.
The researchers suggest that nitrites used to preserve processed meats (such as those used in hotdogs). When consumed, nitrites are converted into nitrosamines – which are highly carcinogenic. Similarly, the American Cancer Society has long warned against the regular consumption of processed meat and red meat due to their documented carcinogenic properties.
Takeaway
While the study is neither conclusive nor meant to make hotdogs the villain, it’s worth considering the risk of leukemia – especially with the increased number of incidences. Rather than consume processed meats, we should opt for healthier alternatives such as beans, poultry, fish, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Please note that this content should never be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.
