A research by division of the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that bacon, sausages and other processed meats cause cancer, and that red meat probably does, too.
The report by the influential group stated out one of the most aggressive stances against meat yet taken by a major health organisation in the world, and it is expected to face stiff criticism from many parties involved in the meat industry.
The WHO findings were reportedly drafted by a panel of 22 international experts who reviewed decades of research on the link between red meat, processed meats, bacons and cancer. The panel reviewed animal experiments, studies of human diet and health, and cell mechanisms that could lead from red meat to cancer.
In reaching its conclusion, the panel cited studies suggesting that eating an additional 100 grams of red meat per day raise the risk of colorectal cancer by 17 per cent; eating an extra 50 grams of processed meat daily raises the risk by 18 per cent, according to the research cited. It quoted figures suggesting that 34,000 cancer deaths a year worldwide were attributable to diets high in processed meats, sausages and bacons.
“For an individual, the risk of developing colorectal cancer because of their consumption of processed meat remains small, but this risk increases with the amount of meat consumed. In view of the large number of people who consume processed meat, the global impact on cancer incidence is of public health importance,” read a section of the report.
The WHO findings come at a time when Kenya and world is grappling with cancer cases. Many cancer patients have been able to come out and share their story. While the research remains subject to sharp criticism especially from the meat industry; whether or not it is just fiction, it should be a precaution all the same.
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