Men: Put Down the Hot Dog and Help Save Your Colon!

If you are a man who enjoys hot dogs and sausages, you might want to rethink how much of those you eat. A study published in the British Medical Journal found that men who ate high amounts of ultra-processed food were 29% more likely to develop colon cancer than men who limited the amount they ate. The same connection was not found among women.

Katlyn Newberry, community outreach coordinator at the Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes Region

Ultra-processed food is defined as ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat meat, poultry, and seafood products, as well as sugar-sweetened beverages. These foods are usually high in added sugar, fats, and refined starch, which can lead to weight gain and obesity – a risk factor for colon cancer. They are often low in fiber, calcium, and vitamin D, which are known to help lower the risk for colon cancer.

During Men’s Health Month, the Cancer Services Program (CSP) of the Finger Lakes Region hopes men will use this information to take positive steps toward preventing colon cancer. In addition to swapping out processed foods for more whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, everyone can prevent colon cancer through regular screenings. Screening can find growths (polyps) that can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening can also help find cancer early when treatment may work best.

If you are 45 or older, call your healthcare provider and ask about colon cancer screening. If you do not have insurance, the CSP may be able to help. The CSP provides free colon cancer screenings to people 45 and older who qualify. Please contact CSP at 585-224-3070 or complete our self-referral form.

Submitted by Katlyn Newberry, community outreach coordinator, Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes Region