Grilled Meat Linked To Pancreatic Cancer
Jacksonville – Meat cooked at high temperatures could increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, according to a study by the School of Public Health at the University of Minnesota.
The research results were unveiled during a conference of the American Association of Cancer Research.
The researchers, led by Kristin Anderson, said that the discovery is linked with the consumption of charred meat cooked on the grill or barbecue. Cooking in this way can produce carcinogens which are not formed when the meat is stewed or baked.
Anderson’s team conducted a prospective analysis that included 62,581 participants.
The scientists used information from studies that were part of the Multicenter PLCO Screening Trial. Participants provided information on their consumption of meat, cooking methods favorites and preferences about what made taking the meat.
During a period of nine years, researchers identified 208 cases of pancreatic cancer. Preferences for meat cooked at high temperatures were associated with higher risks. People who prefer meat well done were almost 60 percent as likely to suffer from pancreatic cancer compared with those who ate less meat well done or did not eat meat.
When scientists used the overall consumption and cooking preferences to estimate the consumption of carcinogens derived from meat, those with the highest consumption had a 70 percent higher risk than those with lower consumption.
“We cannot say with absolute certainty that the risk is increased due to carcinogens formed in burned meat,” said Anderson.
“However, those who enjoy either fried or barbecued meat should consider turning down the heat or cutting off burned portions when it’s finished; cook meat sufficiently to kill bacteria without excess charring.
“In addition, the precursors of cancer-causing compounds can be reduced by microwaving the meat for a few minutes and pouring off the juices before cooking it on the grill.”
According to The American Cancer Society 37,680 Americans (18,770 men and 18,910 women) were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer during 2008.
