A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Lucie Morris-Marr, a respected investigative journalist and author of Processed, received a devastating diagnosis just as her career was peaking—stage-four bowel cancer. Speaking to Nine to Noon, she recalled the moment her life changed. “I felt fit and healthy… and then all of it got cancelled. I felt like my identity had been cancelled.”
A Surprising Suspect: Processed Meats
While undergoing treatment, Lucie began researching the disease and was stunned to discover the World Health Organization (WHO) had classified processed meats as Group 1 carcinogens, placing them in the same category as tobacco and alcohol. This revelation led her to reevaluate her own eating habits.
Everyday Eating, Hidden Risks
Though Lucie didn’t consider herself a heavy meat eater, her habits told a different story. “I liked prosciutto on melon, sausages at Bunnings, bacon on Christmas, and pepperoni pizza on Fridays,” she admitted. She doesn’t claim processed meats caused her cancer, but she now views them as a likely suspect. Her feelings? “Angry,” she said.
A Call for Greater Awareness
Lucie’s experience raised serious concerns about public health messaging. “Where were the warning labels? Where were the health campaigns?” she asked. “I’m not starting a food scare, but someone needs to amplify it.” She believes people deserve better information about the risks they’re unknowingly taking.
What the Science Says
According to WHO, consuming just 50 grams of processed meat per day—about two slices of bacon—can increase the risk of bowel cancer by 18%. Processed meats contain nitrates and nitrites, which can become harmful during cooking or digestion. These foods are also often high in salt and saturated fat, contributing to heart and blood pressure issues.
A New Mission
Now, Lucie urges others to reflect on their diets and become more informed. Her goal isn’t to induce fear, but to encourage critical awareness and healthier choices. Through her book and public advocacy, she’s using her personal struggle to shed light on a preventable risk many still overlook.
