It's not that we are asking you to swear off your T-bones and ribeyes completely or instantaneously morph into a die-hard vegetarian. However, current research reveals a franchise of the truth. The consumption trend of red and processed meats is seemingly pretty 'breast-unfriendly.'

According to statistics, the occurrence of breast cancer in ladies under 50 has propelled this condition to the top place in the US' cancer diagnoses list between 2010 and 2019. Notably, it also seems to be on an uphill path amongst older women. While pinpointing a conclusive correlation between these cases and your love for steak hasn't been made, noteworthy research suggests a lowered intake of these kinds of meat could decrease breast cancer odds in menopausal and pre-menopausal women.

Shockingly, swapping out red meat for poultry could further this decrease. For instance, consider a study of 42,000 women between 35 to 74. On averaging, women who dined more on red meat, including beef, lamb, and pork, increased their breast cancer vulnerability by 23% compared to those who lived on lesser quantities. The same research also stated that chicken and turkey lovers had a 15% lower breast cancer incidence, compared to those who ate little to none.

Dr. Dale P. Sandler from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) noted that red meat intake was tied to increased invasive breast cancer rates, while poultry seemed to minimize it. Also, substituting red meat for chicken or turkey decreased invasive breast cancers' rates.

You’d think red meat has enough negative limelight, but truth be told, processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, ham, and sausages could potentially pose a higher risk. Comparing maximum intake with the minimum, processed meat contributed to a 9% increased risk, while red meat trailed behind at a 6% increased risk.

A meta-analysis in 2021 of 148 research revealed that red and processed meats significantly associated with increased breast cancer risk. A comprehensive review of 2023 on red meat intake and cancer claimed, "eating red meat has a strong association with developing breast cancer."

Considering all these facts and revelations, maybe it's time to rethink our menu choices. Reducing intake of red and processed meats doesn't mean wholly excluding it from our diet but moderating our eating habits to help curb breast cancer, among other chronic diseases and cancers.