Does red meat cause cancer?
Besvaret 26. oktober 2026
The WHO's cancer research agency, IARC, classifies processed meat as carcinogenic and red meat as probably carcinogenic, mainly for bowel cancer. For red meat, IARC rated the evidence from humans as limited, but the evidence on how it could do harm, for example through haem iron, as strong.
In general, the more people eat, the higher the risk. The World Cancer Research Fund found a 12 percent higher risk of bowel cancer for every 100 grams of red and processed meat a day. These figures come from observational studies, which show links, not proven cause.
An analysis pooling 37 population studies found only weak evidence linking unprocessed red meat to bowel cancer. An international panel, NutriRECS, suggested in 2019 that adults could keep eating their current amount, because the evidence is uncertain.
The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations advise, for health reasons, no more than 350 grams of red meat a week and as little processed meat as possible.
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- Rapport fra Kræftforskningsagenturet IARC (WHO), 2018Samler mange studier · RapportRed Meat and Processed Meat (IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans, Volume 114)
- Rapport fra World Cancer Research Fund International, 2018Samler mange studier · RapportMeat, fish and dairy products and the risk of cancer (Continuous Update Project Expert Report 2018)
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