This was based on limited evidence that eating red meat causes cancer in humans and strong evidence supporting a carcinogenic effect.
Advertisement
In the case of processed meat, which includes sliced ham, frankfurters, cured and dried products, the IARC experts declared it “carcinogenic to humans” with each daily 50 gramme portion increasing the risk of cancer by almost 20 per cent.
The IARC invited a working team of 22 scientists, and the scientists reviewed around 800 epidemiological studies in which they examined the global habits of red- and processed-meat consumption.
Processed meat was classified as carcinogenic to humans, based on sufficient evidence in humans that the consumption of processed meat causes colorectal cancer.
The new report says grilling, pan frying or cooking red meat at high temperatures produce the highest amounts of chemicals suspected to cause cancer. The official announcement to confirm it was made on Monday has officially according to which processed meats – such as bacon, sausages and ham – do cause cancer.
Top meat industry bodies in the U.S. and United Kingdom have emphasised the nutritional benefits of eating meat, and pointed out that maintaining a healthy body weight, and avoiding smoking are better ways to avoid cancer.
Processed meat can be described as meat that has been preserved or enhanced by flavors using fermentation, salting, curing, smoking, etc.
New World Health Organization study finds links between red meats, processed meats and cancer. “We’ve known for years that high fat diets and obesity in general are associated with higher rates of cancer especially colon cancer and a few others also heart disease and diabetes and so forth”.
Advertisement
Cancer researchers from the Irish Cancer Society say while cutting down on red meat is never a bad thing, the odd sausage will do little harm. It says nothing about how much or what type of red meat increases your risk of cancer, what the magnitude of that risk might be, or the extent to which other foods in your diet offset that risk.
