Meat And Cancer: What Correlation According To The WHO?
Did you know that between 75 and 85% of cancer cases are attributable to external agents that alter the normal functioning of the body? According to the Italian Association for Cancer Research (AIRC), eating habits are a probable cause of this disease . In light of this, today we want to share the considerations of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the relationship between meat and cancer.
Although it is not easy to identify the exact causes why some people are more prone than others to suffer from cancer, several scientific studies show that genetics, as well as specific environmental agents and lifestyle are the main factors that influence the alteration of cells of our body. If the parents or even some relatives have been or are suffering from breast or colon cancer, we may have inherited a predisposition to the same. However, it is necessary to clarify that this does not mean that at some point in our life we will certainly suffer from this disease.
And there are also environmental and lifestyle factors that can cause cells to turn into cancer cells. These include smoking, alcohol or exposing yourself to chemicals such as cigarette smoke or ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. But is there also a correlation between meat consumption and cancer ?
The Italian Association of Cancer Patients (AIMAC) defines cancer as a group of diseases united by an alteration of the normal cellular reproduction process. As a result, these cells grow and multiply uncontrollably and relentlessly, promoting the formation of masses known as tumors.
Red meat and processed meat
The WHO classifies any muscle tissue from the following mammals as red meat :
- Bovine
- Calf
- Pig
- Lamb
- Goat
- Horse
And it defines as processed meats all those that once separated from the animal have been processed. Between these:
- Salted meat and fish
- Cold cuts
- Fermented meats
- Smoked meats
Processed meats come mostly from cattle and pigs. However, they can sometimes come from poultry, meat derivatives, such as blood, offal and various red meats. Some examples are:
- Sausages
- Hams
- Canned meats
- Dried or unsalted meats
- Meat sauces
Meat and cancer
A study conducted by the WHO reveals that, despite the indications on the minimal correlation between colorectal cancer and meat, this belongs to group 2A, which is the group of foods probably carcinogenic to humans.
On the other hand, the Organization explains that the high consumption of red meat is one of the certain causes of cancer. Consequently included in group 1, ie carcinogenic to humans .
An important fact about the relationship between meat and cancer
It must be emphasized that it is the prolonged and continuous consumption of processed meats that has been included in group 1. This is because of results proving that the risk is real, and not because a possible risk has been simply estimated.
The relationship between meat consumption and the development of cancer
Based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) research program, WHO says diets high in processed meats are responsible for approximately 34,000 cancer deaths per year, worldwide.
He also claims that ingesting processed meats causes colorectal cancer, as well as a correlation with stomach cancer (although the results have not been fully confirmed).
The WHO adds that ingesting 50 grams of processed meats each day increases the risk of developing colorectal cancer by about 18% compared to normal.
Flesh and cancer: virtue lies somewhere in between
Answering the many questions that arose, the World Health Organization ratified the 2002 recommendation that the consumption of processed meats should be reduced or moderated to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
This concept is supported by scientific evidence validated by the intergovernmental body International Center on Continuous Innovation (ICCI). The commission was made up of 22 experts from 10 different countries who analyzed over 800 different research on cancer in humans.
Some of these studies have provided interesting data on two types of meat: 700 epidemiological analyzes on red meat and over 400 on processed meat.
In light of these considerations, the best recommendation is to moderate the consumption of these products. Hence the importance of following a balanced diet capable of supplying the body with the nutrients it needs.
If in doubt, please consult a nutrition specialist. In this way, you will be able to follow a diet designed especially for your body and an adequate meal plan to achieve your goals.
