Red Meat And Colon Cancer

The Study

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in the US and the second biggest cause of cancer related death. Sessile serrated lesions (SSL’s) are a type of colon polyp that are an alternative path to colon cancer. These newly identified lesions may account for up to 30% of all colon cancer diagnoses. In this interesting case-control study, the diet of subjects diagnosed with SSL’s were compared to healthy controls. Here are some of the most important results:

-When compared to subjects consuming the lowest amount of red meat, subjects consuming the most red meat had over twice the risk of developing SSL’s.

-When compared to subjects consuming the lowest amount of processed meat, subjects consuming the most processed meat had over twice the risk of developing SSL’s.

-When compared to subjects consuming the lowest amount of well-done red meat, subjects consuming the most well-done red meat had over twice the risk of developing SSL’s. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2020 111:1244-51.

Take Home Message

The results of this study offer further proof of the dangers of eating too much red and processed meats. 

Limit red meats like steak, pork and hamburger to 1 serving per week.

Strictly limit processed meats like bacon, salami and pepperoni.

When you do have red meat, don’t overcook it.