WHO Findings on Processed Meats and Cancer

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Processed And Red Meat Could Cause Cancer? Your Questions Answered

A statement released recently by the World Health Organization declares processed meats are cancer causing. Additionally, it declared red meats as carcinogenic. As one can imagine, this news took the internet quickly by storm. But what does this statement mean exactly?

Broken down in this article, it is explained how the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) came to its conclusion. After reviewing hundreds of studies which compared the association of cancer with consumption of processed or red meats, the IARC found strong evidence links certain types of cancer with consumption of processed meats (chicken and turkey included) and red meat such as beef, veal, pork, lamb, or goat. It was also found that methods of processing and cooking can lead to the formation of carcinogens, or cancer causing agents. 

However, this headline does not mean it is necessary to entirely eliminate red or processed meat from our diets. At this time, the research cannot indicate exactly how much is safe to consume, but moderation is a general recommendation. Typically, American diets are high in processed or red meats and other options such as fish, poultry, or beans should be selected more frequently in order to create a balanced diet. Also, specific cuts of meat, cooking methods, portion sizes, and a person's health and risk for cancer should be considered when deciding to eat red or processed meats.

Perhaps the most alarming headline related to this statement claims that processed meats are just as bad as smoking (for example: http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/oct/26/bacon-ham-sausages-processed-meats-cancer-risk-smoking-says-who). More adequately explained in the article and clarified on the American Cancer Society's website, is what the IARC's classifications mean. Although classified in the same carcinogenic category as cigarettes, it cannot be determined how likely consumption of red meat is going to result in cancer. Like all carcinogens, it is important to consider how much exposure over what length of time to a specific agent is more likely to result in cancer.

Like all topics trending on the internet, it is important to evaluate the source of the article and read beyond the headlines in order to decipher facts from fiction. The World Health Organization does not intend to create fear but rather evaluate and classify the potential of materials to cause cancer. 


-AG

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