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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