You may be raising their risk of cancer!

The World Cancer Research Fund is now recommending that parents avoid making sandwiches using pre-packaged lunch meats… Things like sliced bologna, ham, or turkey.

That’s because of several recent studies that have linked eating large amounts of processed meats to an increased risk for prostate, stomach and colorectal cancers.

Processed meats also contain high levels of salt and saturated fats, which may boost a child’s risk for other health problems. For example: An average ham sandwich, made from processed slices, contains a full day’s worth of salt.

So, what should you serve for lunch instead? Dr. Marie Savard is a medical contributor for ABC News… And she recommends taking a “back to basics” approach when it comes to your child’s lunch. Ideally, she says it should include:

•Fruits and vegetables… which provide vitamins and fiber, as well as cancer-fighting antioxidants.

•Also a handful of nuts, which provide healthy protein.

•And as far as meat goes, Dr. Savard recommends using leftovers from last night’s dinner – including chicken, beef or pork. Those usually contain less salt and fat, compared to processed meats. If you can’t do that, get your meat sliced from a whole breast or roast at the supermarket deli counter.