Viruses in the meat cause of colon cancer

Nobel Prize Winners: Viruses in beef can cause colon cancer

05.03.2012

Nobel Prize winner Harald zur Hausen has told the news magazine „FOCUS“ suspected that contained in beef viruses can cause colon cancer. The pathogens survive temperatures of up to 70 degrees Celsius, which is why heated meat can sometimes contain carcinogenic viruses, the expert explained.

In particular, the so-called TT viruses are, according to the Nobel Prize winner of the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Professor Harald zur Hausen, suspected of significantly increasing the risk of colon cancer. The pathogens are extremely common in cattle and can be found not only in live animals, but also in the sold meat. Since the viruses can withstand temperatures of up to 70 degrees Celsius, these are not only with raw meat, but also on the relatively popular „medium“ Steaks added. Only completely roasted beef is harmless, according to the expert in relation to the TT viruses.

Colon cancer risk from beef increased by up to 30 percent?
Professor Harald zur Hausen is one of the world's most renowned experts in infection-related malignant diseases. In 2008, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine for the discovery of papillomavirus as a trigger for cervical cancer. For some time, the DKFZ expert has been investigating possible relationships between the consumption of beef and the risk of colorectal cancer. Numerous population studies had occupied, „The risk of colon cancer increases by 20 to 30 percent when eating red beef“, explains the virologist to the „FOCUS“. Particularly high is the risk in the western industrialized countries, where beef is often not completely fried, but usually at home in the pan or when grilling „medium“ is prepared (at temperatures of between 40 to 70 degrees Celsius). Especially in comparison with countries where beef is largely avoided, the intestinal cancer rate in this country was significantly increased. Nearly 70,000 people fall ill in Germany every year in colon cancer, with the chances of survival of those affected are often extremely poor.

Cell experiments are intended to demonstrate the carcinogenic effect of the viruses
The studies of the Nobel Prize winner on the relationship between the risk of colorectal cancer and meat consumption currently focus on so-called TT viruses, which, according to Harald zur Hausen, occur relatively frequently in cattle. In the opinion of the expert, they could be the reason for the significantly higher colorectal cancer rate in the western industrial nations. Although the chemical substances formed during roasting or grilling are said to have a carcinogenic effect, nevertheless „these substances are not involved in the development of cancer alone“, the DKFZ scientist emphasized to the „FOCUS“. The interaction of viruses with the carcinogenic substances could increase the number of tumors, according to the expert. In a next research step, the Nobel Prize winner therefore plans to prove the carcinogenic effects of TT viruses. In cell experiments to prove that the virus can cause colon cancer. However, no quick results are to be expected here, since similarly elaborate arguments as in the earlier studies on cervical cancer are required and at that time 20 to 25 years were necessary.

Health burden of meat
Again and again in raw meat health-threatening pathogens of various kinds are detected, therefore, the meat should be sufficiently heated during the preparation in each case. But not only the pathogens contained, but also other ingredients of the meat may harbor an increased health risk. A deliberate renunciation or reduction of meat consumption can thus significantly reduce the health burden. In addition to the increased risk of colorectal cancer, the potential health consequences of eating meat include an increased likelihood of pancreatic cancer (pancreatic cancer), according to Swedish researchers led by Susanna Larsson of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm earlier this year. In terms of tumor development, meat seems to have a much stronger influence than previously thought. (Fp)

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Picture credits: wrw