How does grilling cause cancer

Another class of chemicals, called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs , has also been linked to cancer. And some of the byproducts of this process can cause DNA damage that may contribute to the development of cancer, suggests the research of Robert Turesky, an expert in cancer causation at the University of Minnesota.

It may be that individuals who eat a lot of charred steak or well-done burgers are also more likely than the average person to eat a lot of bacon or hot dogs. And so it could be the processed meat—not the blackened steak—that accounts for any increased cancer risks.

Skip to content. Go lean. Choose veggies. Wrap it up. Watch the marinades. Flip frequently. Try gas. Tags: Prevention. Food and Nutrition. Popular Categories.

Popular Topics. Animal and laboratory studies suggest that HCAs may damage DNA and spur the development of tumors in cells of the colon, breast, prostate and lymph system. PAHs form when fat drips onto hot coals, creating smoke that settles on food; these compounds have been associated with increased risk of breast cancer.

But "within the big picture of cancer prevention, there are much greater risks than grilling," says Colleen Doyle, M. For example, "if you're 30 pounds overweight, that puts you at much greater risk for developing a number of cancers [than does eating grilled meats]. Bottom Line: Keep your grill. While some studies suggest that grilling produces compounds linked with cancer, the risks associated with eating grilled meats are relatively small when you look at the big picture.

Cancer Moonshots. Avoid processed meats. Skip processed meats like bacon, ham, pastrami, salami, sausage, hot dogs and pepperoni.

Limit red meat. To avoid HCAs: Stick with fish. Fish contains less fat and cooks faster than meat and poultry. Lightly oil the grill.

This keeps charred materials from sticking to your food. Pre-cook food. Cook meat, poultry or fish in the microwave or oven for two to five minutes, then finish them on the grill. Less grill time means less exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. Lower the temperature.