Keep It Lean To Lower Cancer Risk Cut Back On Meat, Alcohol, Fats, Advises American Cancer Society

People who want to lower their risk of cancer should cut back on their consumption of meat and alcohol - and if they do eat meat, it should be lean, the American Cancer Society has recommended.

The society suggested a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in high-fat foods; maintenance of a healthy weight; moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes on most days; and limited alcohol intake.

“Limit consumption of meats, especially high-fat meats,” the society said Monday. “When you eat meat, select lean cuts. Eat smaller portions of meat. Choose beans, seafood and poultry as an alternative to beef, pork and lamb.”

The federal government also recommends eating lean meat and limiting consumption of high fat processed meats like sausage and salami.

The society and the government disagree on how much alcohol is healthful.

Federal dietary guidelines say one or two drinks per day appear to cause no harm to adults. The society said the risk of cancer increases with the amount of alcohol consumed and may start to rise with as few as two drinks per day.

Studies have “determined an association between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of breast cancer,” the society said, although the reason for it is not clear.

The society did note that moderate alcohol use has been shown to decrease the risk of heart disease, at least in middle-aged adults.

“These cardiovascular benefits may outweigh the risk of cancer in men over age 50 and women over age 60,” the society said.

Representatives of the meat and wine industries balked at the society warnings.

“It is inappropriate to indict meat,” said Dr. Janet William, vice president of scientific and technical affairs for the American Meat Institute. “The document is not consistent with U.S. Dietary Guidelines.”

Dr. Meir Stampfer, a Harvard professor of epidemiology and nutrition, told The New York Times that the society is in a position to make guidelines “based strictly on science.”

The government is subject to pressure from interest groups when making recommendations, Stampfer charged.

Cancer was expected to become a leading cause of death by the turn of the century, in part because of a decline of heart disease.

Cancer is responsible for 500,000 deaths each year. Of those, a third can be attributed to smoking and a third to dietary factors. Genetics and occupation are also factors.