Articles
Red Meat Linked to Cancer Risk
RED MEAT LINKED TO CANCER RISK
Red meat and cancer has again been in the headlines.
It was recently reported in the BBC news that red meat is linked to cancer risk'.
Scientists are saying that a major study has found fresh evidence linking eating red and processed meat and bowel cancer.
THE European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) looked at the dietary habits of over 500,000 people across
Should we be concerned?
Leading researcher, Professor Sheila Bingham, of the MRC Dunn Human Nutrition Unit in
Professor Tim Key, of the charity Cancer Research UK, said: "This study strengthens evidence that bowel cancer risk can be cut by increasing fibre in the diet and reducing consumption of red and processed meat."
The researchers defined red meat as beef, lamb, pork and veal.
Processed meat was mostly pork and beef that were preserved by methods other than freezing. They include ham, bacon, sausages, liver pate, salami, tinned meat, luncheon meat and corned beef.
The study was funded by the Medical Research Council, Cancer Research
We say:
It should be noted that a well balanced diet promotes the use of red meat in combination with chicken, fish, beans and lentils. Having 2 moderate serves of red meat a week is not excessive. The preceding studies were done with red and processed meat and we have advocated for years in our Prudent diet for Cancer Prevention to reduce salt, cured, smoke and nitrite cured foods as well as total fat. It is recommended to avoid char grilling and use more marinades while increasing fibre and fruit and vegetables.
We must always keep everything in prospective. The greater the variety of foods we eat with more fruit and vegetables , whole grains and cereals, the more we will protect the body. We live in a country where regular colonoscopies for individuals at higher risk are readily available.
So maintain an ideal weight, exercising wisely and follow a well balanced diet to reduce the risk of bowel and other cancers.
See : Prudent diet for Cancer on our home page at www.perthdietclinic.com.au for further information.
Added to site on : Thursday, 16 February 2006