Processed meats linked to increased risk of bowel cancer

A REVIEW from the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) that examined the links between bowel cancer risk and diet 'confirms' that red and processed meats increase risk of bowel cancer. The report recommends limiting red meat consumption to 500 grams per week, and completely avoiding processed meats.
The review panel reported that consumption of an extra 100 grams of red meat per day could increase the bowel cancer risk by 17 per cent. "On meat, the clear message that comes out of our report is that red and processed meat increase risk of bowel cancer and that people who want to reduce their risk should consider cutting down the amount they eat," said Professor Alan Jackson, chair of the WCRF Expert Panel.
The new WCRF report is part of its Continuous Update Project (CUP), which aims to update previous advice in reports based on new evidence. The findings are based on a systematic review of the evidence carried out by WCRF/AICR-funded scientists at Imperial College London. They added 263 new papers on bowel cancer to the 749 that were analysed as part of a 2007 report.
The panel has also reassessed its view on the protective role of fibre when the evidence from seven more studies "became much more consistent", adding that the protection against bowel cancer afforded by eating foods containing fibre, such as whole grains, pulses, fruit and vegetables is now "convincing".Nike