A comprehensive evaluation of epidemiological evidence on processed meat intake in relation to cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic diseases and all-cause mortality: an umbrella review

Sep 22, 2026

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A descriptive umbrella review synthesizes evidence from existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses on processed meat (PM) intake and multiple health outcomes. Systematic searches in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science (from inception to May 2025) included 34 articles and 54 meta-analyses, with methodological quality assessed using AMSTAR2 and evidence certainty graded using GRADE. Results link PM consumption with higher risks of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and all-cause mortality, including dose-response estimates up to 72% higher gastric cancer risk per 50 g/day.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keywords

TYPE Systematic Review PUBLISHED 28 April 2026 DOI 10. 3389/fpubh.2026.1763155 OPEN ACCESS EDITED BY Yifei Feng, Zhengzhou University, China REVIEWED BY Davide Guido, Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic (IRCCS), Italy Jeff Wood, University of Bristol, United Kingdom *CORRESPONDENCE Nuramatjan Ablat [nuramatjan817@bjmu.edu.cn](nuramatjan817@bjmu.edu.cn) RECEIVED 08 December 2025 REVISED 30 March 2026 ACCEPTED 30 March 2026 PUBLISHED 28 April 2026 CITATION Ren J, Ablimit M, Maimaitiaili T, Tuoheti Z, Jing Z, Jiao D, Xue H and Ablat N (2026) A comprehensive evaluation of epidemiological evidence on processed meat intake in relation to cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic diseases and all-cause mortality: an umbrella review. Front. Public Health 14:1763155 . doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1763155 COPYRIGHT © 2026 Ren, Ablimit, Maimaitiaili, Tuoheti, Jing, Jiao, Xue and Ablat. This isan open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. A comprehensive evaluation of epidemiological evidence on processed meat intake in relation to cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic diseases and all-cause mortality: an umbrella review Jiajia Ren1 , Mihray Ablimit2 , Tuohatijiang Maimaitiaili3 , ZainaFuguli Tuoheti4 , Zhang Jing5 , Dongliang Jiao5 , HongBao Xue6 and Nuramatjan Ablat5* 1 Graduate School, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China, 2 Campus Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China, 3 Department of Pharmacy, The First People’s Hospital of Kashi Prefecture, Kashi Xinjiang, China, 4Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Kuche City Biyixibage Township Health Center, Kuche, Xinjiang, China, 5 School of Mental Health, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China, 6 School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China Objective: This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses, systematically summarizing the current evidence on the topic and exploring the relationship between processed meat (PM) consumption and various health outcomes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining the relationship between PM consumption and health outcomes from the inception of each database until May 2025 . This is a descriptive umbrella review that summarizes existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses without conducting further quantitative re-analysis of summary estimates using random-or ﬁxedeffects models or prediction intervals. A total of 34 articles and 54 meta-analyses were included in the review. Use the validated AMSTAR2 tool to assess the methodological quality of studies included in the meta-analysis, and use GRADE to assign the level of evidence quality. Results: The key dose-response results reported below were selected based on their high public health relevance and stable effect estimates across the included meta-analyses. Consumption of PM was found to be associated with higher risks of various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and all-cause mortality. Dose-response analysis revealed that an increase in PM consumption of 50 g/day was associated with a 72% higher risk of gastric cancer, 17% higher risk of colorectal cancer, 4% higher risk of prostate cancer, and an 8% higher risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . All the above dose-response associations are based on low to very low certainty evidence as assessed by the GRADE system. Conclusion: Most studies suggest that PM consumption is associated

FAQs

What is the main objective of this umbrella review?

To provide a comprehensive overview of existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses and summarize current evidence on the relationship between processed meat consumption and health outcomes.

How was the evidence collected and assessed?

Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science through May 2025 for relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Methodological quality was assessed with AMSTAR2 and evidence certainty was assigned using GRADE.

What health risks were associated with processed meat intake?

Processed meat intake was associated with higher risks of various cancers, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and all-cause mortality. Dose-response findings reported included higher risks of gastric, colorectal, prostate cancers, and COPD per 50 g/day increase.

Sep 22, 2026

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