Reference summary — not medical advice or a personal risk estimate.
Red meat
Quick answer
Classified as Group 2A — probably carcinogenic, based on limited evidence in humans, alongside stronger evidence in animals. Eaten. Unprocessed beef, pork, lamb, and similar mammalian muscle meat.
Summary
Frequent consumption of unprocessed red meat (beef, pork, lamb) is associated with increased colorectal cancer risk.
Detail
IARC classified red meat as Group 2A (probably carcinogenic) based on limited human evidence for colorectal cancer and strong mechanistic data. Higher intakes have also been linked to pancreatic and prostate cancer.
What's not established
This classification reflects limited evidence in humans, usually together with sufficient evidence in animals. It does not establish how strong the human evidence would look on its own, a safe exposure threshold, or your personal risk from a given level of exposure.
Regional relevance
global
Documented in these products
Presence in a product category doesn't imply the product causes cancer. Click each to see the source and context.
Evidence sources
Every claim on this page traces back to one of these. Click through to read the primary document yourself.
Primary sources
IARC
IARC Monographs — Classifications by Cancer Site, Vols 1–140
Supporting sources
Canadian Cancer Society
Canadian Cancer Society — Reduce your risk
ACS
ACS — Known and Probable Human Carcinogens
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK — Causes of cancer and reducing your risk
IARC / WHO — European Code Against Cancer
European Code Against Cancer (5th edition) — 14 ways you can help prevent cancer
NTP
NTP — Report on Carcinogens (US National Toxicology Program)
Cancer Council Australia
Cancer Council Australia — Causes of cancer
WCRF/AICR
WCRF/AICR — Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Cancer: a Global Perspective (Third Expert Report)
WCRF/AICR
WCRF — Cancer Prevention Recommendations
Last reviewed: October 2026
Official reference list
A government list some readers use alongside the primary evidence. Meyron is not affiliated with it. A chemical being listed does not by itself describe a risk from any particular product.
- California Prop 65 list
State of California's list of chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.