Department of Health warns on bowel cancer link with red and processed meat

People who eat lots of red or processed meat are being warned they are increasing their risk of getting bowel cancer.

The Department of Health is advising people for the first time today, to monitor their consumption due to the cancer risk.

A new report from the Independent Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) concludes that people who eat 90g or more of cooked meat every day should consider cutting back.

Official advice from the Department of Health advices reducing the portion size of red and processed meat eaten daily to 70g as this can lower the risk.

Interim Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies says that simple diet and lifestyle advice can reduce people’s risk of the killer disease.

She said: “Red meat can be part of a healthy balanced diet. It is a good source of protein and vitamins and minerals, such as iron, selenium, zinc and B vitamins.

“But people who eat a lot of red and processed meat should consider cutting down. The occasional steak or extra few slices of lamb is fine but regularly eating a lot could increase your risk of bowel cancer.

There are an average of 36,000 cases of bowel cancer diagnosed in the UK and 16,500 deaths every year.

Chief Executive of Beating Bowel Cancer Mark Flannagan said: “We welcome this new advice from the Department of Health. The evidence suggests that a diet high in red and processed meat may increase your risk of developing bowel cancer, but the good news is that red meat can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy balanced diet. This combined with an active lifestyle, and awareness of the symptoms and risk factors, could help protect you from the UK’s second biggest cancer killer.”

The meat causing cancer concern includes: beef, lamb, pork as well as minced versions and offal.

Processed meat to beware of includes: ham, bacon, luncheon meat, corned beef, salami, sausages, pâté  and burgers.

Typical examples of a 70g meat meal includes: two standard beef burgers, or six slices of salami, or two slices of beef or three slices of ham.

For more information concerning cutting down on red and processed meat visit: www.nhs.uk/redmeat