(CNN) Eating even a moderate amount of red or processed meat is linked with an increased risk of colorectal (bowel) cancer, according to a new study published Wednesday.

-- had a 20% higher chance of developing colorectal cancer compared to others, who ate about 21 grams a day, the equivalent to one People who ate 76 grams of red and processed meat per day -- that's in line with current guidelines and roughly the same as a quarter-pound beef burge - had a 20% higher chance of developing colorectal cancer compared to others, who ate about 21 grams a day, the equivalent to one slice of ham , according to the research.

The study also found that processed meat, like sausages or bacon, posed a bigger risk than red meat, with the risk of colorectal cancer rising 20% with every 25 grams of processed meat (roughly equivalent to a thin slice of bacon) people ate per day, and by 19% with every 50 grams of red meat (a thick slice of roast beef or the edible bit of a lamb chop).

"A small amount of processed meat seems to have the same effect as a large amount of red meat," said professor Tim Key, who co-authored the study and is deputy director at the University of Oxford's cancer epidemiology unit.

According to the UK's National Health Service (NHS), a slice of ham contains 23 grams of processed meat while a grilled 8 oz steak contains 163 grams of red meat.