To Meat or Not to Meat

Recent studies have suggested that eating processed or red meats may lead to a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. According to an article published by the United Nations, “experts ‘concluded that each 50 gram portion of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent.’” They also related the consumption of meat to pancreatic and prostate cancer.

Director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Dr. Christopher Wild, stated, “These findings further support current public health recommendations to limit intake of meat. At the same time, red meat has nutritional value. Therefore, these results are important in enabling governments and international regulatory agencies to conduct risk assessments, in order to balance the risks and benefits of eating red meat and processed meat and to provide the best possible dietary recommendations.”

There are both pros and cons to the consumption of red and processed meats. This leaves the decision of eating meat up to each individual consumer. A program aired on NPR related that, “There are a lot of things we're exposed to that elevate our risk of developing some sort of cancer.” This includes exposure to rays from the sun and breathing polluted air. They also noted that, “generally, the risk increases with the amount of exposure. And this is true for meat consumption too.”

Studies showed that an individual must eat more than five pieces of bacon everyday of their life to raise their chances of colorectal cancer. There are many other more dangerous hazards that can cause cancer that humans are exposed to everyday. As anything else, meat should be eaten in moderation. Works Cited Aguayo, Jose. "Bacon, Red Meat and Cancer." EWG. 27 Oct. 2015. Web. 30 Oct. 2015. Aubrey, Allison. "World Health Organization Report Links Red, Processed Meats To Cancer." NPR. NPR, 26 Oct. 2015. Web. 30 Oct. 2015. "New UN Report Links Processed Meats to Cancer in Humans; Red Meat Also Likely to Cause the Disease." UN News Center. UN, 26 Oct. 2015. Web. 30 Oct. 2015. Seymour, Julia. "Networks Exaggerate WHO Agency Statement On Risk of Eating Bacon and Hot Dogs." NewsBusters. 28 Oct. 2015. Web. 30 Oct. 2015.