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Health news - Red meat linked to increased bowel cancer risk

26 January 2005 - written by Bupa's Health information team

Eating a lot of red meat and processed meats may be associated with an increased risk of developing bowel cancer, according to a new study published in the 12 January 2005 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).1

What did the study show?

The study showed that people who ate a large amount of red meat over a long period of time may be 30 to 40 percent more likely to develop bowel cancer.

People who ate the most processed meats were 50 percent more likely to develop bowel cancer.

However, people who ate more fish and poultry compared with red meat appeared to be less likely to develop bowel cancer.1

What is bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer is a disease where cells of the bowel (large intestine made up of the colon and rectum) grow in an uncontrolled way. The mass of extra cells forms the cancer.

At first there may not be any symptoms, but as the bowel cancer grows, symptoms may develop but can vary. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • blood in your stools (faeces or motions)
  • a change in your bowel habit - passing stools more or less often (diarrhoea or constipation)
  • still feeling like you need to go to the toilet after emptying your bowels
  • stomach pains2

These symptoms can be caused by other conditions. For example, bleeding from the back passage can be caused by piles. But anyone with these symptoms should see their GP.

How was the study carried out?

The study used information provided by 148,610 adults aged between 50 and 74 years old. The participants filled in questionnaires about the types of meat they ate and how often, once in 1982 and then again in 1992-3. The researchers recorded diagnosis of, and deaths from, bowel cancer up until 2001.1

What did the study define as red meat and processed meat?

Red meat included beef, lamb, pork and liver. Processed meats included bacon, sausages, ham and cold cuts of meat. Some of the meats fall into both categories.1

How much red meat is a large amount?

Eating a lot of red meat was defined as:

  • about 85g (3oz) or more a day for men
  • about 55g (2oz) or more a day for women1

The amount of meat found in a large hamburger from a fast food restaurant is about 85g.1

How much processed meat is a large amount?

Eating a lot of processed meat was defined as:

  • 30g (1oz) eaten on five or six days of the week for men
  • 30g (1oz) eaten on two or three days of the week for women1

Two slices of bacon weigh about 15g (0.5oz).1

Why might red meat be linked to bowel cancer?

It's not certain why red meat may be linked to an increased risk of bowel cancer. Some researchers believe it may be linked to how the meat is cooked. When meat is cooked in a direct flame or at high temperatures, cancer-causing substances are produced on the surfaces of the meat.1,3

Cancer-causing substances have also been found in processed meats.3

Should I stop eating red meat and processed meat?

No. Meat is a good source of protein as well as vitamins and minerals. Red meat, in particular, is a good source of iron. However, eating less red meat is better.

If you do eat red meat, then choose small portions of lean cuts. Eat no more than 80g of cooked red meat a day. Choose lower fat versions of processed meats.4

What are the alternatives to eating meat?

The nutrients that are provided by meat can also be found in:

  • fish and fish products (fresh, frozen and canned)
  • eggs
  • beans and lentils
  • nuts and nut products
  • tofu
  • mycoprotein (a food made from fungus)4,5

If you don't eat fish, then try to make sure you are getting zinc and vitamin B12 from other foods such as cheese, eggs and wholemeal bread.4

I don't eat meat - can I still get bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer can develop for no apparent reason. Lifestyle factors that may put you at risk of bowel cancer include:

  • being overweight or obese
  • a diet that is low in fibre
  • not exercising enough
  • smoking
  • drinking a lot of alcohol2

There are some risk factors for bowel cancer that you have no control over. These include:

  • age - bowel cancer is more common in people over 50
  • having a close family member who has had bowel cancer
  • suffering from other bowel problems and conditions, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease2

How common is bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women in the UK. Each year, there are more than 34,000 new cases.6

How is bowel cancer treated?

There are three main treatments for bowel cancer:

  • Surgery
    This is an operation to remove the cancer. Four out of five people with bowel cancer have some kind of surgery.
  • Radiotherapy
    This uses high energy rays (like X-rays) to kill the cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy
    This uses drugs to destroy the cancer. It is sometimes used after surgery for bowel cancer.6

What can I do to lower my risk of bowel cancer?

  • try to eat a healthy balanced diet that includes at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day
  • eat plenty of fibre to keep your bowels healthy and working normally
  • try to do some moderate exercise (eg brisk walking) for around 30 minutes on five or more days of the week
  • if you are overweight, try to lose some weight
  • drink alcohol in moderation - no more than three to four units a day for men and no more than two to three units a day for women*
  • don't smoke - cigarettes are full of cancer-causing substances7

*One unit is the same as a small glass (125ml) of wine, half a pint of ordinary strength lager or beer or a small pub measure (25ml) of spirits.

Further information

Bupa resources:

External resources:

References

  1. 1. Chao A, Thun MJ, Connell CJ et al. Meat consumption and risk of colorectal cancer. JAMA 2005;293:172-182.
  2. Patient UK. Colorectal cancer (bowel cancer).
    http://www.patient.co.uk
  3. Bandolier Healthy Living. Meat consumption and risk of colorectal cancer.
    http://www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/bandolier/index.html
  4. British Nutrition Foundation. Meat.
    http://www.nutrition.org.uk
  5. NHS Health Development Agency. Balance of good health: meat, fish and alternatives.
    http://www.wiredforhealth.gov.uk
  6. Cancer Research UK. Specific cancers: bowel (colorectal) cancer.
    http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
  7. Cancer Research UK. Reducing your risk.
    http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/

All websites accessed on 21/01/05

 

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