Windhoek
The World Health Organisation (WHO) through the International Agency for Research on Cancer said on Monday that eating 50 grams of processed meat everyday can increase the risk of colorectal cancer by 18 percent.
Processed meat such as bacon can cause bowel cancer, while red meat is likely to cause the disease as well, the WHO said.
The WHO agency classified processed meat as “carcinogenic to humans”.
The agency also reported that beef, lamb and pork are deemed probably carcinogenic to humans and have associations with cancer of the colon, pancreas and prostate gland.
New Era yesterday gauged the views of some members of the public on what they made of the WHO report – seeing that red meat forms a big part of the Namibian diet.
Many were surprised at the report’s findings considering that Namibians are especially known for loving braai meat and biltong.
Bianca Simaata said: “If these things cause cancer what are the consumer organisations doing to ensure safety? Which aspect of the meat is it and are foods that are shelved not tested for these things?”
Another Windhoek resident, Judy Jacobs, said: “I’m very shocked to hear that because I’m a meat lover.”
David Hansen said the report needed to provide more clarity.
“Meat alone can’t cause cancer – maybe it’s the ingredients in the meat that contribute to that.”
Naambo Namashana said: “How can people not eat meat? It’s difficult for us not to eat meat but if it’s associated with cancer it is better that people avoid it because many Namibians have already died from cancer. Cancer is killing many people, even more than AIDS.”
Rauha Uuwanga urged Namibians to stop eating meat if eating it increases the prospects of getting cancer.
Gerome du Plessis said: “Namibia is known for braai meat and biltong. You can’t take that away from us – it’s who we are as Namibians.”
Curtis Brandt said: “Braai meat yes, because it’s prepared with firewood; but not biltong, it’s a natural thing or maybe it’s the spices they use that can cause cancer.”