Chandigarh, December 2, 2024 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau) – Can Red Meat Cause Cancer?
Many scientific studies have indicated that excessive consumption of red meat or processed meat can lead to cancer. Dr. Alok Khurana, an oncologist at the Cleveland Clinic, believes that most cases of colon cancer occur in meat lovers, especially those who consume red meat. Before delving into the potential risks of red meat and processed meat, let’s understand what they are. Red meat refers to meat from animals, excluding poultry. For instance, goat or sheep meat falls under this category in India. When animal meat is processed into products like bacon or hot dogs to make it last longer, it is classified as processed meat. Processed meat consumption is relatively low in India, mostly in specific regions.
Two Groups of Cancerous Meats
Now, the question arises: does red meat cause cancer? In 2015, the International Agency for Cancer Research analyzed 800 studies. Most of these studies showed cases of cancer linked to red meat. The agency sought to determine how valid this connection was. Many studies established a link between diet and cancer. Based on these findings, the agency identified two types of carcinogenic risks associated with red and processed meat. They concluded that red meat increases the risk of cancer. However, not all carcinogens have the same level of risk. The risk from cigarettes is much higher than that from hot dogs. The agency categorized red meat as Group 2A carcinogen, meaning it could potentially cause cancer in humans. Dr. Alok Khurana emphasized that the study’s scope is limited, but it suggests that excessive red meat consumption can lead to cancer.
Strong Evidence for Processed Meat and Cancer
The agency classified processed meat as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is solid evidence that it causes cancer. Dr. Alok Khurana mentioned that this places processed meat in the same risk category as tobacco, alcohol, and ultraviolet rays from the sun. One earlier study also found that grinding meat or smoking it can create carcinogens. The conclusion of the study is clear: excessive consumption of red meat can increase the risk of cancer, but processed meat poses a much higher risk. Research has shown that people who consume large amounts of red or processed meat are at risk of developing colon cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to reduce the consumption of red meat.
Summary: Research suggests that eating certain types of meat, especially processed meat, may increase the risk of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer.