Meta-analysis highlights link between processed meat and breast cancer

Studies regarding the link between processed meat and risk of breast cancer have presented inconsistent results. This problem was addressed by a recently published meta-analysis in the International Journal of Cancer, examining 15 studies published on the subject. From this the reviewers concluded that high processed meat consumption increased the risk of developing breast cancer by 9%. No significant association was observed between unprocessed red meat intake and cancer risk.

'Red' meat is any meat that has a dark red colour before it is cooked – this includes meats such as beef, lamb and pork. 'Processed' meat is meat that is not sold fresh but has been preserved. For example, the meat may have been smoked, cured, or had chemical preservatives added.