Red meat 'raises breast cancer risk'
Processed meat 'could raise breast cancer risk'
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Wednesday, 04, Apr 2007 10:37
Women who eat a lot of red meat could increase their risk of breast cancer, scientists have warned today.
Post-menopausal women who eat the highest proportion of red meat - equivalent to one portion a day (more than 57 grams) - were found to have a 56 per cent greater risk of breast cancer than those who ate none.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Leeds, also discovered that women who ate the most processed meat, including sausages, bacon and ham, have a 64 per cent greater risk of breast cancer than those who ate none.
No "statistically significant" link was found however between eating poultry or offal and breast cancer risk in either pre- or post-menopausal women.
The researchers claim that their findings confirm those of an earlier study in Shanghai which linked red meat consumption to increased breast cancer risk in pre- and postmenopausal women.
Over 35,000 women took part in the research, which tracked their eating habits and health for the past seven years.
"This study indicates relationships with certain meats and breast cancer in both pre- and postmenopausal women and merits further investigation in a larger study," the researchers write in the British Journal of Cancer.
They propose that the increased risk may be due to "a combination of nutritionally related factors" such as fat, protein and iron and/or meat preparation.
Commenting on the study, Dr Alexis Willett, senior policy officer at the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: "This is an interesting study but because we eat a variety of foods it is difficult to separate out the specific effect of red meat on breast cancer risk.
"Previous research studying red meat and breast cancer risk have been inconclusive. However, experts estimate that approximately 30 per cent of all cancers in western countries are linked to diet. Breakthrough encourages all women to eat a balanced diet, limit alcohol consumption, exercise regularly and keep a healthy weight in order to maintain general good health."
Henry Scowcroft, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, added: "The links between meat consumption, fat intake and breast cancer risk are under debate and still being studied.
"Our best dietary advice to women worried about their breast cancer risk is to maintain a healthy bodyweight by taking regular exercise and avoiding large regular portions of fatty foods like red and processed meat, and excess alcohol. It's also important to be breast aware, and to go for screening when invited by your GP."