Does Red Meat Cause Cancer?

Short answer: Eating a lot of meat may increase the risk of bowel cancer. The link is stronger when it comes to processed meat, like bacon, ham and salami.

This does not mean that eating meat once will cause cancer or that everyone who eats meat will get cancer. Cancer risk comes from factors. These include age, family history, lifestyle habits and other health conditions.

What counts as meat or processed meat?

Red meat comes from mammals. It includes:

• Beef
• Lamb
• pork and goat.

Processed meat is meat changed through smoking, curing, salting or adding preservatives.

Examples are:

• Bacon
• Ham
• Salami
• Sausages
• hot dogs and corned beef.

Some sausages are processed. It depends on how they are made.

What does the research say?

Research shows there is a link between red meat and processed meat with colorectal cancer also known as bowel cancer.

The evidence is stronger for processed meat. Red meat is listed as ” carcinogenic,” which means the evidence suggests a link but it’s not as strong. They do not mean processed meat is as dangerous as things in the same category, like tobacco.

Does this mean I must stop eating meat?

No. Red meat has :

• Protein
• Iron
• zinc and vitamin B12

Doctors suggest keeping portions small rather than eating large amounts often. It is recommended limiting meat to about 350–500 grams cooked weight per week or around three servings.

You can also eat protein sources.

Try:

• Beans
• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Tofu
• Eggs
• fish or poultry

If you eat processed meat, consider having it less often or choosing another option.

What about grilled or burnt meat?

Cooking meat at temperatures like grilling or barbecuing, can create chemicals that scientists are still studying. These chemicals may have health effects. Avoiding charred meat and using different cooking methods can help reduce exposure.

The takeaway

Eating a lot of meat may increase the risk of bowel cancer. The link between processed meat and bowel cancer is stronger. You don’t need to panic or make changes all at once. Try to eat smaller portions of meat , limit processed meat and include a variety of foods in your diet.

Get the Facts Right

Can certain foods cause cancer? Do you need to avoid sugar, red meat or certain ingredients? It can be hard to separate nutrition facts from myths. At MGM Cancer Institute we help patients and families understand what current evidence says about food, cancer risk and nutrition during treatment.

Every person has needs, especially during cancer treatment. For guidance that fits your situation talk to your oncologist or a qualified dietitian.

DOCTOR DETAILS:

Dr. Sivakumar Mahalingam
Senior Consultant
Surgical Oncology