Key Message

The term ‘meat' encompasses a variety of foods, including unprocessed red meat (beef, veal, pork and lamb), processed meat, poultry and fish. Processed meat differs from unprocessed red meat in that it may be cured with the addition of preservatives and/or other additives.

The relationship between meat consumption and the risk of cancer, especially colorectal cancer, has been controversial. The consumption of meat, particularly processed meat, may be associated with a modest increased risk of colorectal cancer. There is some weaker evidence that meat may be associated with an increased risk of oesophageal, stomach and endometrial cancer, but this is not as consistent as for colorectal cancer. There does not appear to be a strong association between red meat and breast cancer risk, however total meat intake may be associated with an increased risk. The evidence for prostate cancer and meat consumption appears to be mixed.

There is insufficient evidence to determine whether there is an association between unprocessed red meat or processed meat and the risk of oral, pharyngeal, pancreatic, lung, bladder and renal cancer.

Poultry intake does not appear to be associated with the risk of cancer. For fish consumption, there is limited but suggestive evidence that it may be linked to a reduced risk of breast, colorectal and prostate cancer.

Despite the concerns about meat and cancer, The Cancer Council recognises that lean red meat is an important contributor to dietary iron, zinc, vitamin B12 and protein in the Australian diet.

The Cancer Council recommends people consume moderate amounts of unprocessed lean red meat. A moderate amount of meat is 65-100g of cooked red meat, 3-4 times a week. The Cancer Council also advises people to limit or avoid processed meats such as sausages, frankfurts, salami, bacon and ham, which are high in fat and salt. People should also try to limit their consumption of burnt or charred meat. It is best to choose lean cuts of meat and chicken, eat more fish and plenty of plant based foods such as fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals.

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Position Statement - Meat and cancer [ 365 KB]
Summary Tables of Literature for Meat and Cancer Prevention [ 83 KB]