The internet is abuzz about a new report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) that claims processed meats like bacon could cause cancer.
IARC, an arm of the World Health Organization, goes on to claim that red meat could also possibly cause cancer.
The agency is now under fire for its confusing report and convoluted classification system.
To come to their conclusion, 22 scientists reviewed existing studies on processed and red meats and classified the consumption of red meat as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
They concluded that processed meat is “carcinogenic to humans,” along with smoking, asbestos and alcohol.
The Atlantic reports these categories are based on “strength of evidence, not degree of risk.” In other words, these classifications don’t convey how dangerous something is. They convey how certain we are something is dangerous.
The article goes on to clarify that items in the “carcinogenic to humans” category have the potential to cause cancer. It does not explain the degree of risk.
The “probably carcinogenic to humans” category is used for items that have some evidence that they could cause cancer, but scientists can’t be sure.
Dr. David Agus, a leading cancer specialist and CBS News medical contributor, told the news outlet that eating processed meats can slightly increase your risks for colon cancer.
He goes on to say if you eat a hot dog every day, your risk for colon cancer rises by about one percent. Research, according to Agus, shows that 3.5 servings of regular meat per week appear to have no negative health consequences.
So what’s next for the IARC? The Washington Post reports they’ll discuss coffee and its effects in 2016.