Raises risk
Red meat
beef, pork, lamb. Protein.
- Verdict
- Raises riskStudies link it to higher cancer risk.
- How sure
- Rung 4 · StrongAt least one large randomized trial, or very large consistent studies, on this exact question.
The rung shows how sure the science is, not how big the effect is. How to read these ratings
Cancers affected
Colorectal
What the evidence shows
Probably raises colorectal cancer risk, per the World Cancer Research Fund; classed as probably carcinogenic by the WHO's cancer agency.
What to do
Keep portions modest and swap in fish, poultry, beans or tofu.
Sources
To take it to your doctor, print this page.
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the colorectal cancer page.