Perth Diet Clinic

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 Europe over 10 years. They found that bowel cancer risk was a third higher for those who regularly ate over two- 80g portions of red or processed meat a day, compared to less than one a week.  The EPIC's study was reported in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Should we be concerned?

Leading  researcher, Professor Sheila Bingham, of the MRC Dunn Human Nutrition Unit in Cambridge  believes the most likely explanation is that compounds called haemoglobin and myoglobin, which are found in red meat, trigger a process called nitrosation in the gut, which leads to the formation of carcinogenic compounds.

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 UK and the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

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