The American Cancer Society (ACS) has released its 2024 annual cancer statistics report, and the projections are concerning.1 The ACS estimates over 2 million new cancer cases and over 600,000 cancer deaths in the United States in 2024. Of particular concern is the dramatic rise in colorectal cancer among young men and women, and the persistent racial disparities in cancer risk. Colorectal cancer is strongly related to meat (particularly processed meat) intake.2-3
References
1. Dizon DS, Kamal AH. Cancer statistics 2024: All hands on deck. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024. doi:10.3322/caac.21824
2. Norat T, Lukanova A, Ferrari P, Riboli E. Meat consumption and colorectal cancer risk: dose-response meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. Int J Cancer. 2002;98(2):241-256. doi:10.1002/ijc.10126
3. Chan DS, Lau R, Aune D, et al. Red and processed meat and colorectal cancer incidence: meta-analysis of prospective studies. PLoS One. 2011;6(6):e20456. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.