A new study has established a link between bladder cancer and red meat that are processed.

Nitrate and nitrite are the preservatives contained by processed red meat often. Hot dogs, pepperoni, and deli cold cuts, are those that contain these.

It was suspected by researchers that when over time processed meats are consumed in large portions, the bladder's lining can be interfered with by these preservatives when they are passed through the urine.

The preparation of the meat also might have a role in cancer risk.

About 300,933 men and women aged 50 to 71 for more than seven years were followed by a team of researchers led by Amanda J. Cross, PhD, of the National Cancer Institute in Rockville, Md.

The relationship between chances of developing bladder cancer and eating processed meat was assessed by researchers.

Dietary questionnaires were filled out by participants and information about their lifestyles was also provided.

Nitrite and nitrate content was also determined by researchers and about 90 per cent of processed meats consumed in the US is represented by 10 processed meats.

A stark link was established by researchers between red meat cold cuts and bladder cancer risk.

Cross said, "Our findings highlight the importance of studying meat-related compounds to better understand the association between meat and cancer risk."