You may have heard the Cancer Project's claim that processed meats cause
cancer. But did you know that the Cancer Project is funded and operated by a
vegan, animal rights group? And that the Cancer Project's claims are not
supported by science?
FACT: The alleged link between processed
meats and cancer is not supported by the full body of scientific
research.
The Cancer Project cites a controversial and
inconclusive report by the World Cancer Research Fund as representing
"consensus" when it has been widely challenged by scientists. Studies showing no
connection between processed meats and cancer were not included in the WCRF
report cited by the Cancer Project. Numerous studies and experts show that
processed meats are safe and nutritious and that nitrite in meats is safe and
has health benefits.
FACT: The Cancer Project is a Vegan,
Animal Rights Group
The Cancer Project is funded and operated
by the animal rights group Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM),
a vegan, animal rights group whose views are closely aligned with PETA (People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). The widely respected American Medical
Association has called PCRM's past dietary recommendations "irresponsible and
potentially dangerous." The Cancer Project ad campaign is factually inaccurate and is aimed at scaring parents and
school systems out of feeding children processed meats.
FACT: Harvard Data Showing No
Relationship Between Meat and Colon Cancer Not Considered
One of
the largest studies ever done on red meat and colon cancer - a 2004 Harvard School of Public Health analysis involving
over 725,000 men and women and presented at the 2004 American Association for
Cancer Research Conference - showed no relationship between meat and colon
cancer. Yet the pooling analysis used in this study, "Meat and fat intake and
colorectal cancer risk: A pooled analysis of 14 prospective studies" was not
factored into WCRF's 2007 report.
This federally funded data shows
that red meat and processed meat are not associated with colon cancer and uses
what is considered perhaps the most reliable approach to analyzing
relationships: pooling original data together and analyzing it.
FACT: Check with a Credible Doctor, Not
an Animal Rights Group, about The Cancer Project's Meat/Cancer
Allegations
The causes of cancer are extremely complex. Just as
consumers need to eat a healthy, balanced diet, they need balanced information.
When it comes to cancer, check with credible health sources like your doctor,
dietician or the U.S. Dietary Guidelines. You can be assured that they will
tell you that a healthy diet can include processed meats.
Read the studies about meat and
nutrition that PCRM/The Cancer Project chose to ignore.
Read what doctors, nutritionists and scientists are saying.
"Questioning Popular Notions about Meat and Cancer"
Food
Safety Magazine, October - November 2008
Learn the truth about the Alleged Hot Dog and Cancer Connection "Cured Meats
Beneficial"
Feedstuffs, July 20, 2009
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