A report released today by the World Health Organisation’s global Agency for Research on Cancer announced that eating processed meat can lead to colorectal cancer in humans even as it remains a small chance but rises with the amount consumed.
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“The experts concluded that each 50 gram portion of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%”.
Reuters reports Monday the organization’s findings were mainly linked to colorectal cancer, they also found links between meat consumption and pancreatic and prostate cancer. Red and processed meats were among 940 agents evaluated by IARC during a seven day meeting.
Red meat, meanwhile, is now classified as “probably carcinogenic”, based on limited evidence that its consumption causes cancer in humans.
Not all meat is processed meat, but it is best to maintain a plant based diet, especially when fighting cancer, said Cynthia Thomson, director of the University of Arizona Canyon ranch Center for Prevention and Health Promotion.
“We worry people unnecessarily if we put meat in the same category as asbestos or tobacco”, he added.
The researchers defined processed meat as anything transformed to improve its flavor or preserve it – including salting, curing or smoking.
“The news is that the World Health Organization decided that there was enough information to classify eating processed meats as a sure carcinogen”.
The Irish Farmers’ Association is warning against an overreaction to new research linking a few meats to cancer.
Meat industry groups protest the classification.
He advised that processed meats should be largely avoided while red meats should be consumed in moderation since they also have essential nutrients for the body.
“Red meat such as beef and lamb, is a critical, natural source of iron and zinc, vitamin B12 and omega-3 – essential nutrients needed to keep the body and brain functioning well”.
A BLT isn’t as bad as smoking, so experts say there is no reason to go cold turkey just yet but that a person should definitely cut back.
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Dr Mary Flynn said the risk would come from consuming high quantities of red meat and processed meat.
