Doctors warn this popular ballpark treat raises colorectal cancer risk

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Let’s be frank.

While it’s common to indulge in a hot dog at a baseball game, a new poll reveals that most Americans do not know that the tubular meat may be one of the wurst things for their health.

“Tens of millions of Americans could eat hot dogs this baseball season, but most of them are unaware that doing so raises their risk of colorectal cancer and other diseases,” said Noah Praamsma, a nutrition education coordinator for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which conducted the poll.

Once primarily associated with older adults, colorectal cancer cases have been steadily rising among younger people since the ’90s. Today, it’s the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Americans under 50, according to the National Cancer Institute.

The popular American pastime of eating processed meat may be to blame.

Processed meats — like hot dogs, sausages, bacon, pepperoni and ham, that have been salted, cured, smoked or chemically preserved to extend their shelf life — have been classified as carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organization.

The WHO noted that there is “sufficient evidence from epidemiological studies that eating processed meat causes colorectal cancer.”

Experts believe the increased cancer risk may be from nitrates within the meat that combine with compounds in the body to damage cells. 

A March 2024 study found that people who consume a lot of red or processed meats, respectively, face a 30% to 40% increased risk for colorectal cancer.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting processed meat to 100 grams a week, about two servings.

Scientists are still learning the full extent of what makes ultraprocessed foods so harmful. New evidence suggests they may interfere with the body’s natural healing process. A December 2024 study found that chronic inflammation, fueled by poor diet choices, plays a key role in driving the growth of colorectal cancer.  

The research doesn’t seem to have resonated with ordinary Americans.

In the new poll, 88% of US adults reported eating a hot dog at some point in their life.

While 70% said they were aware of health risks associated with hot dogs, less than 20% were able to recall specific risks.

Among those who were aware of the health risks, most noted that hot dogs contribute to cardiovascular issues, cancer and obesity.

According to the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council (NHDSC), Americans are expected to eat 7 billion hot dogs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, a span of time known as “peak hot dog season.”

Fortunately for colons across the country, it appears many people are open to potentially healthier stadium alternatives.

Forty percent of polled adults said they would try a plant-based hot dog if they were looking for food at a baseball stadium, and 63% believe stadiums should make these dogs available.

“The good news is that many stadiums across the country now offer plant-based hot dogs as alternatives to meat hot dogs,” said Praamsma. “Fans who trade even one serving of processed meat a day for a plant-based alternative would hit a home run for their health.”

The pros of eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes and beans are well-established.

Choosing unprocessed plant-based options over processed meats supports good blood pressure, better blood sugar and a healthier body mass index while lowering cancer risk.

If you select a plant-based dog, check for extra sodium, added sugars, artificial colors, additives and saturated fat content. Some may not be as healthy as they seem.

If your stadium doesn’t sell ’em, fear not.

“If veggie dogs and other plant-based options aren’t available, opt for roasted peanuts — a staple at baseball stadiums,” said Praamsma. “Peanuts are packed with disease-fighting plant protein and can be protective against colorectal cancer.”

And if you’re chilling and grilling at home this spring and summer, Praamsma promises that carrot dogs can be a hit as well.