>Red meat was classified as Group 2A, probably carcinogenic to humans. What does this mean exactly? In the case of red meat, the classification is based on limited evidence from epidemiological studies showing positive associations between eating red meat and developing colorectal cancer as well as strong mechanistic evidence.

>Limited evidence means that a positive association has been observed between exposure to the agent and cancer but that other explanations for the observations (technically termed chance, bias, or confounding) could not be ruled out.[1]

## Bonus content on processed meats ##

>Processed meat was classified as Group 1, carcinogenic to humans. What does this mean? This category is used when there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans. In other words, there is convincing evidence that the agent causes cancer. The evaluation is usually based on epidemiological studies showing the development of cancer in exposed humans.

>In the case of processed meat, this classification is based on sufficient evidence from epidemiological studies that eating processed meat causes colorectal cancer.

[1] https://www.who.int/features/qa/cancer-red-meat/en/

>Red meat was classified as Group 2A, probably carcinogenic to humans.

They classified coffee, mate, and "very hot beverages" the same way. I'll worry about red meat the exact same way I worry about coffee: not at all, and enjoy every bit I consume.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_IARC_Group_2A_carcinog...

Here is a Q&A from WHO.

https://www.who.int/features/qa/cancer-red-meat/en/

Here is some work looking at a possible connection between contact with bovine viruses and colorectal cancer. I wonder how many of human cancers are caused by viruses.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22212999

Pretty strong; red meat is classified as a probable cause of colorectal cancer. Canadian Cancer Society recommends reducing red meat intake. Processed meats are classified as a Group 1 Carcinogen.

Be careful there. A probable cause doesn't tell you anything about rates. Alcohol is a probable cause as well, and from what I can tell is more likely to cause cancer than meat.

Be careful? This advice makes no sense.

I'm going to go with the Canadian Cancer Society on red meat. They also, as a matter of fact, say alcohol is carcinogenic and to use alcohol in moderation.

Be careful because risk level isn't included in there.

Almost certainly. I don't think anyone was making the case that meat is more dangerous than alcohol though.

Relevant video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouAccsTzlGU

It's not good news...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-47947965