Red meat once a day raises bowel cancer risk by fifth
Experts recommend cutting back on red and processed meat
Eating red meat just once a day increases your risk of bowel cancer by a fifth, a study by Oxford University has found.
The researchers analysed data from almost half a million people over six years and found that eating three rashers of bacon a day rather than just one could increase the risk of bowel cancer by 20%.
Following the study, which was part-funded by Cancer Research UK, experts recommend cutting intake of red and processed meat to no more than twice a week.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“Our results strongly suggest that people who eat red and processed meat four or more times a week have a higher risk of developing bowel cancer than those who eat red and processed meat less than twice a week,” said Professor Tim Key, co-author of the study.
However, Carrie Ruxton, of the Meat Advisory Panel, an industry-funded body, has disputed the responses to the study. Speaking to the BBC, she said: “Red meat provides valuable nutrients, such as protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D and B vitamins.”
Processed meat such as sausages, bacon, and salami is modified to either extend its shelf-life or alter the taste, by smoking, curing, or adding salt or preservatives.
The chemicals involved could increase the risk of cancer, scientists believe. Also, high temperature cooking, such as on a barbeque, can create carcinogenic chemicals.
There are around 42,000 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed annually in the UK. One in 15 men and one in 18 women born in the UK after 1960 will receive a diagnosis of the disease in their lifetime.
In light of the findings, Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at Public Health England, has offered another reason to cut back on red meat. She said cutting consumption of red and processed meat would reduce salt and saturated fat in the diet, decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Dr Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK's head of health information, added: “Although breaking habits we've had for a long time can be hard, it's never too late to make healthy changes to our diet.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 23, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - qualifications, tax cuts, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Long summer days in Iceland's highlands
The Week Recommends While many parts of this volcanic island are barren, there is a 'desolate beauty' to be found in every corner
By The Week UK Published
-
The Democrats: time for wholesale reform?
Talking Point In the 'wreckage' of the election, the party must decide how to rebuild
By The Week UK Published
-
Covid might be to blame for an uptick in rare cancers
The explainer The virus may be making us more susceptible to certain cancers
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
The alarming rise of cancer in young people
Under the radar Cancer rates are rising, and the cause is not clear
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
US bans final type of asbestos
Speed Read Exposure to asbestos causes about 40,000 deaths in the U.S. each year
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Beyond belief': fears of asbestos return
Under the radar Attention is returning to the dangers of the carcinogenic substance
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
What to say to someone who has cancer
The Explainer Saying something is better than nothing but there are some things to avoid too
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Anastrozole: the daily breast cancer pill tipped to save thousands of lives
The Explainer Existing treatment approved for preventative use under 'pioneering' NHS drug repurposing scheme
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Good health news: seven surprising medical discoveries made in 2023
In Depth A fingerprint test for cancer, a menopause patch and the shocking impacts of body odour are just a few of the developments made this year
By The Week Staff Published
-
Five good-news cancer breakthroughs in 2023
In Depth Cancer-sniffing ants, ‘Bond villain’ DNA, and vaccine trials are just a few exciting developments in cancer research this year
By The Week Staff Published