Red meat causes cancer.......so say the 'experts'

"What will the Government's scientific advisers recommend?
That people should not consume more red or processed meat than an average 2.5oz (70g) a day, which is about 17oz (500g) a week.

What is the definition of red meat?
All fresh, minced and frozen beef, pork, lamb and veal.

What does "processed" mean?
Eat less red meat, Government scientists warn 19 Feb 2011
Ham, bacon, sausages, pate and tinned meat, as well as preserved, salted, smoked and marinated products.

How much meat do most of us eat?
The average person in the UK has 2.5oz (70g) meat a day 3oz (88g) among men, 2oz (52g) among women) but 33 per cent have more than 3.5oz (100g) a day.

What does 17.5oz (500g) a week look like?
1 x 8 oz (227g) steak
1 x 4 oz (113g) pork chop
2 x pork sausages 1.7oz (50g) each = 3.5oz (100g)
1 x portion Bolognese sauce = containing 2.1oz (60g) of beef

What is the danger of eating too much red meat and processed meat?
There is strong evidence that those eating above average amounts of red meat have an increased risk of bowel cancer, and some studies have linked it to many other cancers. In 2005 a study found those who regularly ate 5.6oz (160g) of red meat a day had one third higher risk of bowel cancer.

What is the current advice?
Recommendations from 1998 suggest 3oz (90g) a day is a healthy amount and say those eating more than 5oz (140g) a day should cut back.
In 2007 the World Cancer Research Fund recommended a limit of 17oz (500g) a week.

Why is red meat thought to increase the risk of cancer?
A pigment found in red meat seems to damage the DNA of cells lining the digestive system – and DNA damage is one of the first signs of cancer. It is also thought that burning meat and some of the preservatives used in processed meats increase risks.

What is the advice on processed meat?
The advice this week is not expected to give specific guidance on processed meats – it will just say that consumers should have no more than 17oz (500g) of all red meats. But in 2009, the World Cancer Research Fund recommended eating no more than 2.5oz (70g) processed meat a week – the equivalent of three rashers of bacon – and said children should not have processed meat at all.

What is the overall risk of bowel cancer?
Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK, and more than 16,000 people die from it each year. 95 per cent of diagnoses are in people over the age of 50. Early diagnosis drastically improves the chance of survival.

Do all the scientists agree about the health risks from red meat?
No. Most research suggests there is some bowel cancer risk from eating too much red meat, but the level which is safe is hotly disputed.
Last week, a report by the British Nutrition Foundation said there was no evidence to make any link between average red meat consumption levels and cancer, and that research connecting meat-eating with cardiovascular disease was inconclusive. Evidence linking red meat to the development of other cancers is weaker"