Red and processed meat linked to colon cancer.More than 50,000 Americans die each year from colon cancer colon cancer, cancer of any part of the colon (often called the large intestine). Colon cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. . Is there a dietary connection? Probably. Researchers with the American Cancer Society American Cancer Society, n.pr established in 1913, this national volunteer-based health organization is committed to the elimination of cancer through prevention and treatment and to diminishing cancer suffering through advocacy, scholarship, research, obtained diet information that more than 150,000 American adults provided in 1982 and in 1992. Intakes of red and processed meat averaged 17 ounces weekly in men and 10.5 ounces weekly in women. Subjects who ate the most processed meat in both 1982 and 1992 had a higher risk of colon cancer than those eating less processed meat. Those eating the most red meat and the least poultry and fish also had a significantly increased risk of colon cancer. These results agree with studies showing that vegetarians are at lower risk for colon cancer than are meat-eaters. This study, in conjunction with other studies showing the same link between red meat and colon cancer as well as a link between red meat and diabetes (See Vegetarian vegetarian /veg·e·tar·i·an/ (vej?e-tar´e-an) 1. one who practices vegetarianism. 2. pertaining to vegetarianism. veg·e·tar·i·an n. One who practices vegetarianism. Journal, Issue 2, 2005.), raise significant concerns about Americans' increasing consumption of red and processed meats. Chao A, Thun MJ, Connell CJ, et al. 2005. Meat consumption and risk of colorectal cancer colorectal cancer Malignant tumour of the large intestine (colon) or rectum. Risk factors include age (after age 50), family history of colorectal cancer, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, benign polyps, physical inactivity, and a diet high in fat. . JAMA JAMA abbr. Journal of the American Medical Association 293:172-82. |
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