Red and processed meat

Caution

2 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Caution2 studies

Limiting red and processed meat intake may lower breast cancer risk

Two cohort studies encompassing over 500,000 women collectively examined red and processed meat limitation as part of cancer prevention adherence scores. In the SUN cohort (10,930 women), higher adherence to WCRF/AICR recommendations including meat limitation yielded a 73% reduction in post-menopausal breast cancer risk (HR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.08–0.93). UK Biobank data showed a significant 8% risk reduction per unit increase in adherence score among women with stable diets (HR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.85–0.99). Both studies assessed red and processed meat restriction as one component of broader dietary patterns rather than in isolation, making the independent contribution difficult to quantify. The consistent inverse association across two large European cohorts supports cautious reduction of red and processed meat consumption for breast cancer prevention.

Evidence

Adherence to cancer prevention recommendations and risk of breast cancer in situ in the United Kingdom Biobank

Authors: Karavasiloglou, Nena, Kühn, Tilman, Pestoni, Giulia, Rohrmann, Sabine

Published: November 15, 2022

A cohort study using UK Biobank data constructed a cancer prevention adherence score that included limiting red and processed meat intake. Among women who did not report dietary changes in the preceding 5 years, higher adherence to these combined lifestyle recommendations was significantly associated with reduced breast cancer in situ risk (HR = 0.92 per unit score increase, 95% CI = 0.85–0.99). The overall cohort showed a non-significant trend (HR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.91–1.03). The inverse association was consistent with prior studies on invasive breast cancer.

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Adherence to the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research Recommendations and Breast Cancer in the SUN Project

Authors: Barrios Rodríguez, Rocío, Jiménez Moleón, José Juan

Published: July 13, 2020

The SUN cohort study followed 10,930 female university graduates initially free of breast cancer. Red and processed meat consumption was scored as one of eight WCRF/AICR compliance items. Higher overall adherence (>5 vs. ≤3 points) yielded a hazard ratio of 0.27 (95% CI: 0.08-0.93) for post-menopausal breast cancer after multivariable adjustment, a 73% reduction. The protective effect reflected the combined contribution of all scored components including red and processed meat limitation.

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