CANutrition Tip: Red meat is an excellent source of essential nutrients such as protein, iron, niacin, zinc and vitamin B12 which are all in high demand during the treatment phase. While choosing lean, quality cuts of meat are helpful during treatment, there is convincing evidence exists that some red meats increase the risk of developing bowel cancer. In particular, processed meat, such as ham, bacon, pastrami, salami, sausages, bratwursts and frankfurts seem to the types of meats with the strongest links.