Processed Meats Linked to Breast Cancer A new study linked meats like bacon, sausage and ham to a 9% risk increase of the disease. The study was an analysis of previous studies that included more than 1.2 million women. Dr. Maryam Farvid, Harvard School of Public Health, via CNN Processed meats — meats preserved by smoking, curing or salting — Nutritionists debate the nuance of categorizing processed meats as a carcinogen. Gunter Kuhnle, University of Reading, via CNN Scientists stop short of suggesting that people cut processed meats from their diets entirely. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world.