Bacon lovers around the world were crying into their frying pans this morning as they awoke to the news their favourite breakfast food had been added to the ever-growing list of things that cause cancer.

The World Health Organisation said bacon and other processed meats, such as hot dogs, sausages and jerky, increased the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

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While the list of suspect meats was extensive — numerous varieties of red meat that had been cured, fermented, smoked or salted were included — social media users were primarily worried about bacon.

(Sorry, ham.)

Numerous hashtags, including #bacon, #bacongate #baconcausescancer, #bacongeddon and the obligatory #freebacon were widely shared on social media, with #freebacon trending worldwide.

The verdict: People love bacon.

Here are some of the best reactions:

When someone tries to tell me bacon causes cancer……. pic.twitter.com/oF8Mz9tQ3G

— Zach Edwards (@Beef_Farmer) October 26, 2015

Between the World Health Organisation and Pete Evans, the only thing safe to eat is a 200ml glass of water and air. #bacon

— John Johnsonson (@JohnJohnsonson) October 26, 2015

You can have my #bacon when you pry it from my cold dead hands,

— Wolf Cocklin (@wolfcat) October 26, 2015

The person in charge of the #WHO is going to wake up with a pig’s head in his/her bed. #bacon

— David Kazzie (@DavidKazzie) October 26, 2015

“Everyone at The Bacon Advocacy Group can just go home now.” – @herbertsona #FreeBacon pic.twitter.com/aklWYFxTHR

— Rainee Taylor (@craineeum) October 26, 2015

leave bacon alone #FreeBacon pic.twitter.com/D6NSWlJK0v

— Max Lin (@iMaxLin) October 26, 2015

“I told you we would win…” #FreeBacon pic.twitter.com/FaYvNNbAWg

— Mo (@VelikiMo) October 26, 2015

You can take our lives but you can’t take our bacon!!!!! #FreeBacon pic.twitter.com/f0AMIgvcoX — Touch2000 (@ThaboKunene) October 26, 2015