Eating excessive amounts of processed meat and red meat may increase the risk of colon cancer, a new study has found. Researchers say that this risk can be reduced by eating less quantity or choosing alternatives to red meat and processed meat.
This study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and included more than 10 lakh people. The study found that people who ate the most processed meat had up to 20% higher risk of colon cancer. At the same time, among those who ate the most red meat, this risk increased by 9%.
Limit meat intake
Dr. Shina Ayatungay, lead author of the study, says that our study provides strong evidence that it is important to limit the intake of processed meat and red meat, especially to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Researchers found that people who consumed the most processed meat had a 16% higher risk of death from colon cancer compared to those who consumed the least processed meat. The same was found for red meat.
Less danger from chicken and fish?
The study also found that consuming other sources of protein such as chicken and fish did not reduce the risk of colon cancer. Dr. Ayatungay says our findings support public health recommendations that recommend limiting red meat intake and avoiding processed meats. He also says that including healthy things like fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet can also be helpful in reducing the risk of colon cancer. This study is one of many that have found a link between meat consumption and cancer. However, researchers say that more research is needed in this area.
(PC: Freepik)
