Does Red Meat Cause Cancer?
What is actually considered red meat? Beef, pork, lamb and mutton are all red meats — beef and pork being the most common. In recent years, more studies have been done to determine if there is a link between red meat and cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer suggests that red meat is linked to an increased risk of colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. They also suggest that red meat is a probable carcinogen which is a substance that probably causes cancer.
In general, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women around the world. The Canadian Cancer Society estimates that 26,800 Canadians will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2017. This is 13% of the new cancer cases that are estimated to be diagnosed in 2017 alone(1). A study published in 2015 in Oncology Reviews showed that consuming excessive amounts of red meat and processed meat increases colorectal cancer by 20–30%(2).
In the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition published in 2005, the researchers found that those who consumed more than 160 grams per day of red meat had a risk rate for colorectal cancer that was 1.35 fold of those who consumed less than 20 grams per day. This means that difference in risk of colorectal cancer increased by 35%(2). Even though this is a large jump in risk, it is still hard to definitely say that red meats cause cancer. The research suggests a link between excessive consumption of red meats and cancer, but it is not enough to say it causes it.
Another link to red meats is heart disease. Some red meats are high in saturated fats. These fats can increase blood cholesterol levels. High blood cholesterol is known to be linked to heart disease(3).
Well what is considered excessive consumption of red meats? The American Society of Clinical Oncology say that people may eat up to approximately 70 grams of red meat per day or 500 grams per week. Any amount over this is considered excessive(2). To put this in perspective, the beef patties in one Big Mac from McDonald’s is about 66g in total.
Are there any benefits to eating red meat?
Yes, red meat has substantial health benefits. Overall, red meat is high in iron, specifically heme iron which is easily absorbed by the body. Heme iron helps in red blood cell production and is not found in plant foods. Red meat also contains B vitamins — B3, B6, and B12. Vitamin B12 is beneficial for DNA synthesis, hormonal balance, keeping your nerve and red blood cells healthy and functioning, and the list goes on. Zinc is also present in red meats. It helps your immune system to function better and aids in growth and wound healing (3).
Even though there are health benefits to eating red meats, there is definitely an indication that excessive consumption of red meats is linked to cancer. Stating that red meats are the direct cause of cancer is less definite because red meats are linked to an increased risk of cancer and not having cancer itself. More research is needed in the future to further determine how related to cancer consuming red meats is. For now, it is fine to eat red meat, but the amount you intake is suggested to stay at a safe 500 grams per week.
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References:
1. Canadian Cancer Society’s Advisory Committee on Cancer Statistics. (2017). Canadian Cancer Statistics 2017. Toronto, ON: Canadian Cancer Society.
http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/colorectal/statistics/?region=on
2. Aykan, N. F. (2015). Red Meat and Colorectal Cancer. Oncology Reviews, 9(1), 288. http://doi.org/10.4081/oncol.2015.288
3. Lee, E. (n.d.). The Truth About Red Meat. Retrieved December 01, 2017, from https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-truth-about-red-meat#1
