WHO Group Says Processed Meat Causes Cancer

World Health Organization explained on Monday that processed meat, such as bacon or hot dogs, causes cancer, adding that red meat such as beef, pork and lamb, probably causes cancer too.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) stated that various studies show that eating these foods can cause cancer.

In its study, the IARC uses clear and direct language in saying processed meat causes cancer; however, most reports on the links between meat and cancer have been softened with some element of doubt.

According to the report, the working group classified consumption of processed meat as 'carcinogenic to humans' on the basis of sufficient evidence for colorectal cancer, adding that a positive association with the consumption of processed meat was found for stomach cancer.

“Consumption of red meat was also positively associated with pancreatic and with prostate cancer."

It is worth noting that the IARC assembled a team of experts to review all the evidence while the US National Cancer Institute noted that several more studies are ongoing to assess the risk of eating meat.