The World Health Organisation's (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has found the presence of carcinogens in red meat and processed meat and their consumption is likely to lead to cancer in humans.
A working group of 22 experts from 10 countries reviewed the scientific literature and classified the consumption of red meat as having a probable carcinogenic effect on humans, based on limited and mechanistic evidence supporting the cancer causing effect.
The red meat consumption was primarily linked to colorectal cancer, prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer.
The group classified processed meat as carcinogenic to humans based on enough evidence that showed that its consumption could lead to colorectal cancer.
IARC Monographs Programme head Dr. Kurt Straif said: "For an individual, the risk of developing colorectal cancer because of their consumption of processed meat remains small, but this risk increases with the amount of meat consumed.
"In view of the large number of people who consume processed meat, the global impact on cancer incidence is of public health importance."
The quantity of meat consumption varies widely across nations, with a little to almost 100% relying on meat. The study experts revealed that each 50 gram portion of processed meat taken daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18%, the IARC report stated.
The conclusions were reached after the working group evaluated more than 800 studies that investigated links of red meat and processed meat consumption to more than 12 types of cancer in many countries, with diverse eating habits.
IARC director Christopher Wild said: These findings further support current public health recommendations to limit intake of meat. "
"At the same time, red meat has nutritional value. Therefore, these results are important in enabling governments and international regulatory agencies to conduct risk assessments, in order to balance the risks and benefits of eating red meat and processed meat and to provide the best possible dietary recommendations."
The report from IARC is being lauded by cancer researchers. However, meat industry has slammed the report, especially for classifying processed meat under group 1 list, which figures cigarettes too.
Meat advisory Panel member Robert Picjkard was quoted by The Guardian as saying: " What we do know is that avoiding red meat in the diet is not a protective strategy against cancer. The top priorities for cancer prevention remain smoking cessation, maintenance of normal body weight and avoidance of high alcohol intakes."
Image: Red meat may cause cancer, says WHO. Photo: Courtesy of dan/FreeDigiatlPhotos.net.
