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These meats often contain preservatives, such as nitrates. While these additives extend shelf life and improve color and flavor, they can also produce a compound in the body that damages cellular DNA, thus promoting the development of cancer.
Even when products are labeled “nitrate-free,” most still contain naturally occurring nitrates or other types of preservatives that pose a similar risk. These processed “nitrate-free” meats behave the same way in your body.
It is therefore recommended to avoid processed meats in your daily diet. Don’t keep them at home by default. If you want to eat bacon occasionally, at a restaurant brunch for example, do so without guilt, but consider it an exception and not a habit.