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The recent announcement¹ by the World Health Organization regarding the link of eating processed meat to colorectal cancer is not a new finding among scientific research. Multiple publications now begin with such phrases or sentences as the following:

“Although the association between red meat consumption and colorectal cancer (CRC) is well established, ...”²

“Epidemiology shows that red and processed meat intake is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer.”³

“Several diets, especially a Western lifestyle with a high consumption of meat and carbohydrates and a low consumption of vegetables, have been linked to common diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis, inflammatory bowel diseases, and colon cancer.”⁴

“Red and processed meat intake is an established risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC), …”⁵

“Epidemiological studies have revealed that fiber- and vegetable-rich diets and physical activity are associated with reduced rates of colon cancer, while consumption of red and processed meat, or alcoholic beverages, and overconsumption as reflected in obesity are associated with increased rates.”⁶

or conclude with

“It is necessary to promote a regular intake of vegetables, fruits and diary products (although a moderate intake for men), and to reduce red meat (especially fat meat), processed meat, starchy vegetables, wine and sweet beverages intakes, to prevent the occurrence of cancer.”⁷

Enough studies about processed meat consumption and its resulting health effects have also made it possible for mainstream books to include such items as hot dogs and deli meat in a list of foods to avoid during pregnancy.⁸

Are Americans listening? Well, yes and no.