Study: Teenage chicken eaters have lower cancer risk

A new study published this week has linked chicken consumption during teenage years to a lowered risk in colon cancer.

The study of more than 20,000 women found that those who consume more chicken as teens had a lower risk of colorectal adenomas, which are benign tumours that can progress into colon cancer.

A direct relationship between red meat intake and adenomas was not found, but the results showed that replacing one serving per day of red meat with one serving of poultry or fish may reduce the risks of rectal and advanced adenomas by about 40%.

The correlation was only found between women who ate larger amounts of poultry during high school, no correlation was found between poultry consumption as an adult and reduced risk of colon cancer. Diet is usually a lower risk factor for cancer, but among all cancers, colon cancer is most influenced by one’s diet.

Previous studies have also identified that eating poultry may decrease risk of colon cancer.

Source: National Chicken Council