According to a study published in the International Journal of Cancer, a diet high in red meat increases risk of colon cancer in women.
Researchers compared cancer incidence rates for dietary patterns centered on red meat, fish, poultry, or no meat in 32,147 women. Those who consumed red meat were more likely to develop distal colon cancer than those who consumed no red meat.
The authors note that higher intakes of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals associated with meat-free diets may protect against cancer.
Rada‐Fernandez de Jauregui D, Evans CEL, Jones P, Greenwood DC, Hancock N, Cade JE. Common dietary patterns and risk of cancers of the colon and rectum: Analysis from the United Kingdom Women’s Cohort Study (UKWCS). Intl J Cancer. Published online April 1, 2018.