SD WELLS—When people see someone smoking a cigarette, they immediately think of how much health damage the person is “self inflicting,” and how they are greatly raising their risk of getting cancer from inhaling all those toxins. Cigarettes contain ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde and pesticides, which all drive cancer cells to multiply uncontrollably which often leads to lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and kidney failure. Have you ever looked at someone eating a deli sandwich that way? Maybe you should start. Did you know that processed deli meats are classified as Class 1A carcinogens for humans, according to the World Health Organization? Processed deli meats, hot dogs, sausages and most bacon cause colorectal cancer, for starters.

So, then what about the smokers who eat deli sandwiches and hot dogs on a regular basis? Will they still be “above ground” in a decade or two? Let’s take a closer look at some food choices that are ranked alongside cigarettes, asbestos, alcohol and arsenic as major causes of cancer. Make no mistake: Processed meats in America cause cancer, and this fact is based on sufficient evidence from epidemiological studies of exposed humans. Are you unnecessarily exposing yourself to a preventable disease today? Maybe you too have a “hand to mouth” habit that’s killing you, just like those smokers you criticize and judge so easily.

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