Meat Linked to Many Cancers

Consumption red meat tied to lung, liver as well as colon cancer
By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 12, 2007 3:48 AM CST
Meat Linked to Many Cancers
Eating a lot of red meat may increase your cancer risk, according to a new study.   (KRT Photos)

A diet rich in red meat has long been linked to a higher risk of colon cancer, but new research also ties it to lung, esophageal and liver cancers. A new study of over a half million participants focuses on consumption of beef, pork, lamb and processed meats—cold cuts, bacon and hot dogs. Researchers speculate that the increased risk stems from compounds within the meat, as well as some generated by cooking.

"Compounds that are formed during high-temperature cooking techniques have been shown to damage DNA in animal and in vitro studies," the lead researcher told NPR. Juices and fat dripping from meat into a hot fire generate harmful compounds  which can then adhere to the surface of the food, another researcher explains. (More red meat stories.)

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