Study Finds Eating Red Meat is Tied to Increased Breast Cancer Risk

Study Finds Eating Red Meat is Tied to Increased Breast Cancer Risk

A study recently published in the International Journal of Cancer has found that eating red meat is associated with an increased risk for developing breast cancer, and eating white meat is associated with a lowered risk. 

Key Takeaways:

  •  The study collected health and diet data from 40,000 women for approximately seven and a half years. 
  • Women were categorized by their levels of white and red meat consumption. Women in the highest one-quarter of red meat consumption were 23% more likely to develop invasive breast cancer than those in the lowest one-quarter. 
  • By comparison, women who ate the most white meat were less likely to develop invasive cancer than those in the lowest quarter of red meat consumption.
  • The study controlled for other diet and health characteristics including age, physical activity, BMI, and calorie intake. This is the first study to establish a strong link between red meat consumption and increased breast cancer risk. 
  • Bottom line: Eat more white meat instead of red meat, per dietary recommendations (the American Heart Association recommends no more than 5.5 oz of lean meat per day), to reduce your risk of developing invasive breast cancer. 
Note: Another recent study found that white and red meat consumption have the same effects on cholesterol levels. If you are concerned about your cholesterol, it is best to consider a plant-based diet. 

You can read the original article here.

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Disclaimer: This is general medical information and not specific medical advice.  It does not and should not replace diagnosis or treatment by your healthcare provider. If you are seeking personal recommendations, advice, and/or treatment, please consult your physician. If you have an emergency, you should contact 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.