Red, processed meat intake may double breast cancer risk

April 4, 2007 in Cancer Prevention, Nutrition Topics in the News, Women's Health

Red, processed meat intake may double breast cancer risk

According to researchers from the University of Leeds in England, a high intake of red and processed meat was associated with a significant increase in the risk of breast cancer in pre and post-menopausal women.

The study, part of the UK Women's Cohort Study, assessed dietary intake of over 35,000 women using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. 

After a follow up period of eight years, researchers found that pre and post menopausal women who had a high intake of red and processed meat had a greater risk of developing breast cancer.

Researchers found that post-menopausal women with the highest intake of red meat (greater than 57 grams or 2 ounces per day) had a 56 percent increased risk of breast cancer.  While post-menopausal women with the highest intake of processed meat (more than 20 grams or just less than 1 ounce) such as bacon or sausages had a 64 percent greater risk of breast cancer, compared to women who ate none.

Pre-menopausal women with a daily intake of more than 20 grams (just less than 1 ounce) of processed meat had a 20 percent increased risk of breast cancer.

These latest findings were published in the British Journal of Cancer.

According to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canadian women.  One in nine Canadian women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, while one in twenty-seven will die from it.

Please visit the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation website for more information.

All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.