Suya, Conned Beef, Hot Dogs, And Other Processed Red Meats Causes Cancer - WHO

WORLD Health Organisation (WHO) has said consumption of processed meats, including sausage, ham and bacon, can cause cancer. 

It was reported that consuming 50 grammes of processed meat a day -less than two slices of bacon – increased chance of developing colorectal cancer by 18 per cent.

Red meat does have nutritional value too and is a major source of iron, zinc and vitamin B12. However, WHO said there was limited evidence that 100 grammes of red meat a day increased the risk of cancer by 17 per cent.

However, WHO said there was insufficient evidence to set safe levels for red meat consumption. 

The WHO had come to the conclusion on the advice of its International Agency for Research on Cancer, which assesses the best available scientific evidence. It has now placed processed meat in the same category as plutonium, but also alcohol, as it definitely do cause cancer.

Processed meat is any meat that has been modified to increase its shelf-life or alter its taste, such as by smoking, curing or adding salt or preservatives. Also included in this group are hot dogs, corned beef, as well as canned meat and meat-based sauces.

It is these additives which could be increasing the risk of cancer. High temperature cooking, such as on a barbeque, can also create carcinogenic chemicals.

Dr David Irabor, a senior lecturer, Surgery Department, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, said there was no doubt, consumption of red meat can cause colon cancer.

Irabor, who remarked that preservatives were also a reason consumption of processed meat could cause cancer, added that in cooking the meat at high temperature, whether by frying or barbecue, some dangerous substances such N-nitroso compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were released and predisposes to cancer.

He declared also that there were evidences linking longterm alcohol use, cigarette smoking and over-indulgence in high-calorie containing meals, as well as reduced physical activity with the probability of developing colon and rectum cancers. 

However, Professor Ignatius Onimawo, former president, Nutrition Society of Nigeria and Director of Academic Planning at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, stated that WHO’s declaration that processed meat could cause cancer was not a new development.

According to Professor Onimawo, “NSN have been saying that processed meat, including suya, can cause cancer, if taken for a long time. It is not a new development at all. It is just that WHO is now taking a categorical stance on the issue and the need for people to avoid red meat. 

“Above 40 years, one should avoid red meat, irrespective of how it is processed. Rather, eating of fish and white meat, like chicken is healthier. Red  meat after being subjected to heat from cooking could predispose its consumers to cancer, depending on how long it is consumed and the amount.”

Frankie Phillips, spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association, said: “The message is to still include red meat in the diet, because it is a good source of key nutrients.

“The general message is, it is OK to eat some red meat, but perhaps to look at ways of increasing the amount of plant-based foods, in particular, pulses.  

Source: LeakTimes