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Meat and colorectal cancer: is the risk underestimated?
4 mars 2026
By Ana Espino | Published on March 4, 2026 | 3 min readColorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. In 2020, nearly 1.9 million new cases were reported. Incidence continues to rise, notably due to population aging and shifts in dietary habits. Among modifiable factors, consumption of red meat and processed m
By Ana Espino | Published on March 4, 2026 | 3 min read
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. In 2020, nearly 1.9 million new cases were reported. Incidence continues to rise, notably due to population aging and shifts in dietary habits.
Among modifiable factors, consumption of red meat and processed meat remains a subject of persistent scientific debate. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies processed meat as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and red meat as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A). Despite this classification, the exact magnitude of risk and its consistency across tumor sub-sites remain debated.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality. In 2020, nearly 1.9 million new cases were reported. Incidence continues to rise, notably due to population aging and shifts in dietary habits.
Among modifiable factors, consumption of red meat and processed meat remains a subject of persistent scientific debate. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies processed meat as carcinogenic to humans (Group 1) and red meat as probably carcinogenic (Group 2A). Despite this classification, the exact magnitude of risk and its consistency across tumor sub-sites remain debated.
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Scientific reference
Ungvari Z, et al. Association between red and processed meat consumption and colorectal cancer risk: a comprehensive meta-analysis of prospective studies. Geroscience. 2025 Jun;47(3):5123-5140
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