In January 2018 researchers from France published the results of their study to assess the association between red and processed meat consumption and risk of breast and prostate cancer. 61,476 adults, average age 35 years, were included in the study. Information was collected via at least three 24-hour dietary records during the first year of follow-up (2009-2015). During the entire period of follow-up 1,609 diagnoses of cancer were made, of which 544 individuals were diagnosed with breast cancer and 222 with prostate cancer. Results showed that red meat intake was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. No association was seen between red meat intake and risk of prostate cancer. Processed meat intake was relatively low in this study and was not associated with either breast or prostate cancer risk.
Diallo A et al. Red and processed meat intake and cancer risk: Results from the prospective NutriNet-Santé cohort study. Int J Cancer. 2018 Jan 15;142(2):230-237