Science & Research

Study: Limit Meat to Help Prevent Colon Cancer

by Mary Rothschild | May 25, 2011

Tens of thousands of cancer cases could be prevented each year if people ate less red meat and added more fiber to their diets, according to a report released Monday.

The 850-page report, from the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) and the UK's World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), is the latest in the two groups' Continuous Update Project. It supports a 2007 report that linked red meat (beef, lamb or pork) and processed meat (smoked, cured or salted meat) with an increased risk of colon cancer.
 
This new report, which adds 263 research papers to the 749 examined in 2007, has prompted the WDRF and AICR to say the evidence for the meat-cancer link has gone from "probable" to "convincing."

The two groups recommend limiting weekly consumption of red meat to about five or six medium portions and to avoid processed meats.

The scientists said the benefits of food containing fiber in reducing cancer risk are also clearer, with seven recent studies supporting the previous eight in recommending a diet that includes more whole grains, fruits and vegetables. 

Professor Alan Jackson, chair of the WCRF/AICR Continuous Update Project (CUP) Expert Panel, said: "Our review has found strong evidence that many cases of bowel cancer are not inevitable and that people can significantly reduce their risk by making changes to their diet and lifestyle."

The American Meat Institute, which didn't like the 2007 study, was equally skeptical of the newest report and urged consumers to view it likewise.
 
 "While WCRF is claiming these studies strengthen their recommendations, in reality, they simply increase the report's shortcomings," said AMI Foundation president James H. Hodges in a prepared statement.  "Adding more weak studies to a weak report does not make a 'strong, comprehensive and authoritative report' as they claim." 
 
AMI cited recent U.S. government data indicating that Americans consume red and processed meat at levels recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010, established by the U.S. Dept. of Heath and Human Services and the USDA.

The CUP report and a summary, including the CUP panel's conclusions, are available for download at http://www.wcrf.org/cancer_research/cup/index.php


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Vegan Future
06/01/2011
12:08PM

Meat and dairy are linked to numerous illnesses and disease. Instead of reducing your consumption of these, why not consider eliminating them altogether. A plant-based vegan diet is considered the most healthy and it's very easy to go vegan nowadays with tasty alternatives to meat and dairy readily available as well as a host of new foodstuffs to discover. You can download free vegan starter guides at http://veganfuture.wordpress.com/resources/ The guides contain lots of useful information, nutrition advice, product recommendations and recipes.

T Allen
06/01/2011
12:09PM

Per Mr Hodges staements-According to the "latest government data", Americans consume red and processed meat at levels recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010, the basis for our national nutritional policy published by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Agriculture. In fact, the protein group is the only group that is consumed in the proper amount, the guidelines show.

Can we get a link to this data your referencing? I find this statement hard to believe.

Mary Rothschild
06/01/2011
12:58PM

Hodges' statement is one way of looking at it -- obviously, the meat industry's perspective. What the Dietary Guidelines say is: "On average, American men, women, and children consume too much sodium, solid fats (the major source of saturated and trans fatty acids), added sugars, and refined grains. Men consume too much cholesterol, which also is found in some solid fats. In addition, some people consume too much alcohol."

And "(Americans) should increase their intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, seafood, and oils."

Meat and processed meat isn't actually mentioned in either of these summaries.

The guideline document also states: "Some Americans need to increase their total intake of protein foods, while others are eating more than is recommended. Americans should consume protein foods in amounts recommended for their nutrient and calorie needs. (See Chapter 5 for specific information and recommendations.)"

The guidelines are available at: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DGAs2010-PolicyDocument.htm

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