title: Processed meat consumption and risk of cancer: a multisite case-control study in Uruguay.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The role of processed meat in the aetiology of several cancers was explored in detail.
  
  
  METHODS
  In the time period 1996-2004, a multisite case-control study was conducted in Montevideo, Uruguay. The study included 6 060 participants (3 528 cases and 2 532 controls) corresponding to cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, larynx, lung, female breast, prostate, urinary bladder, and kidney (renal cell carcinoma only).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The highest odds ratios (ORs) were positively associated with cancers of the colon, rectum, stomach, oesophagus, and lung. With the exception of renal cell carcinoma, the remaining cancer sites were significantly associated with elevated risks for processed meat consumption. Furthermore, mortadella, salami, hot dog, ham, and salted meat were strongly associated with risk of several cancer sites.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It could be concluded that processed meat intake could be a powerful multiorgan carcinogen.
authors.affiliation: Epidemiology Group, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay. edestefani@gmail.com
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: De Stefani
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Boffetta
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Ronco
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Deneo-Pellegrini
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Correa
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Acosta
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mendilaharsu
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Luaces
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Silva
mesh_terms: D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008461:Meat Products / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014583:Uruguay / Q000453:epidemiology