Chinese salted fish linked to cancer: WHO

A store sells salted fish in Hong Kong Seafood Street. (Photo: China News Service)

(ECNS) -- A World Health Organization (WHO) report linking processed meat to cancer has drawn enormous attention, especially among meat lovers. The same report also indicated another 115 items that could cause the disease, including salted fish.

Since ancient times, people in many countries, including China have cured fish with salt in order to keep it fresh for longer periods.

The report, released on Monday by the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer, stated that processed meats such as sausages, ham and hot dogs could contribute to bowel cancer.

The other 115 substances include alcohol, asbestos, tobacco, and rubber. Red meat is "probably" also linked to cancer.

Experts concluded that each 50 gram portion of processed meat increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent.