Eating red meat after cancer diagnosis

Hi Canterbury

After I had surgery I stopped eating all red meat, a personal choice. I think I just felt paranoid about eating it tbh. I think just do what you feel is best for you! I don't actually miss it. 

I continue to eat red meat. I limit it but I don't deny myself. Yes, reducing red meat reduces risk but it isn't a guarantee. I've seen a number of vegetarians pass through these pages with bowel cancer. Unfortunately, scientists don't really know what causes cancer. So while it makes sense to take the risk factors into account when making life choices, there's no reason to stop  something completely unless you want to. Do what feels right. 

Hi,

I have thought about it,but you've also got to take into account what your family wants to eat at mealtimes. I'm keeping it to a minimum,but I didn't eat large amounts previously.

Hi,

1. Yes you have made a good point. I was advised by one Dr to limit it to 1-2 a week,but that it wasn't necessary to cut it out of my diet altogether.

The main thing is, don't worry about it, you're doing what you think is best and that's all we can do

I would say do what's right for you. I hadn't eaten any meat for over 30 years, yet I ended up with bowel cancer! I think it's normal to overthink all your choices, I know I do! 

Hi,yes it's certainly made me think about my diet and lifestyle. I'm far more particular than some people about my diet,but it is just one of those things.

Hi

Hope you are doing well after your diagnosis - & currently getting the treatment you need.

It's interesting how we all think/ feel differently after the diagnosis - in terms of many aspects, including diet.

On being discharged from hospital, I wasn't given much diet information, & so, I continued to eat everything I enjoyed prior to my operation in 2018 - which was a left Hemicolectomy. Since then, I haven't changed my diet - & still continue to eat sausages & bacon occasionally - though I eat more chicken. I tend to avoid ready made meals, & usually cook my meals from scratch. However - I fancy Pigs in blankets this evenng, with chips! Oh, & I still enjoy my bottle of wine a day!

I am not convinced that red meat is the main culprit for bowel cancer. There are many people on this site that have been diagnosed - despite being Vegan, & some are very fit people, regardless of age - & it's sad to hear that far younger people are also prone to this disease.

Wishing you well

Marianne

Hi there,

Yes ,I'm getting there thanks. It's been almost 3 weeks since my surgery+ when I'm recovered from the surgery,I will start Chemo.

I think it's good to point out that people on a Vegan and Vegetarian diet have got bowel cancer too. 

Before my diagnosis,I ate a small amount of red meat and drink alcohol occasionally.  I think it has made me question other causes. I'm pleased you have not altered your diet. There are so many posts/ articles that come up on my phone about the link between red meat and bowel cancer. It is thought provoking as to why many younger people in their 30's,40's and 50's are getting diagnosed with bowel cancer?

Thanks Marianne for your lovely friendly message- it's nice not to feel so alone!

Sending you lots of best wishes too!

I think the "link" is a statistical association. People who eat a diet high in red meat are more likely to get colon cancers. Fine. But define "high" and what other factors did they control for? Are those people also higher in processed foods? Are these people eating more fast food? Did they control for other risk factors like obesity and inactive lifestyle? 

It's interesting but not specifically useful or action-able. I choose to eat more chicken . Just like I choose to try to maintain a healthy weight and try to be more active. But I will still eat that steak or that chocolate. And I do not feel guilty about it.