Meats, milk and fat consumption in colorectal cancer

Data from several studies suggest that a diet high in meat, including processed meat and fat, may have an association with the development of colorectal cancer (CRC).

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between meats, dairy products, fat consumption and the risk of CRC in Jordanians. A case-control study was performed at the five largest hospitals in Jordan. Dietary data were collected from 220 diagnosed cases of CRC and 281 healthy disease-free controls. The CRC cases were matched as closely as possible to controls using age, sex, occupation and marital status.

The consumption of different levels and frequencies of several food types, including meats, chicken, milk and fish, was found to be associated with the risk of developing CRC. Added fats and oils were inversely associated with CRC risk with odds ratio = 0.33 (95% confidence interval = 0.13-0.83, P_trend = 0.005). The predominant fat added by cases and controls was olive oil, followed by corn oil.

The results of the study suggest that the consumption of some types of meat, processed meats and Labaneh (strained yogurt) may be associated with the risk of developing CRC.