Campfires and barbecues serve as the foundation for many fun summer days and nights in Minnesota. However, even our everyday habits — like the food we eat — may impact our health in unexpected ways. In a recent study from the University of Minnesota, researchers discovered the way we cook red meat may play a major role in exposure to PhIP — a cancer-causing chemical.
Robert Turesky, a professor in the College of Pharmacy, and Logan Spector, a professor in the Medical School, provide expert commentary on the health risks of eating charred meat.
Robert Turesky, BSc, Ph.D.
“PhIP is a chemical formed in well-done cooked meats. It causes prostate cancer in animal models and frequent consumption of cooked meats containing PhIP is associated with human prostate cancer risk. While most people who eat meat have some level of PhIP in their hair, our research has found that some men who consume cooked meat have comparatively higher levels. Further work is underway to examine the other side of the puzzle — the link between those recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and the level of PhIP found in their hair. If these men have higher PhIP levels, it could help strengthen the link between eating well-done meat and prostate cancer risk.
Barbecues are a great way to bring family and friends together over steaks and burgers. However, when it comes to grilling meat, cooking it to medium instead of well-done can help reduce the formation of harmful chemicals like PhIP.”
Logan Spector, Ph.D.
“In recent years, more and more research has come out investigating the link of charred meat consumption to cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified red meat as a Group 2A carcinogen, which means ‘probably carcinogenic to humans.’ Our work has demonstrated a strong correlation between PhIP intake from cooked meats and PhIP levels in hair, and as our research continues we will learn more about the exact ways that grilled meats impact cancer risk.
The phrase ‘you are what you eat’ has really stood the test of time. In this case, our findings suggest that people getting ready for barbecue season should pay attention to how well-done they grill their meat — and lean towards less char whenever possible.”
Dr. Robert Turesky is a professor at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and member of the Masonic Cancer Center. His lab seeks to understand the roles of long-term exposures of environmental toxicants and endogenous electrophiles to causative factors for human diseases including cancer.
Dr. Logan Spector is a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and member of the Masonic Cancer Center. His research focuses on the causes of childhood cancer with a focus on childhood leukemia, bone sarcomas and hepatoblastoma. His work includes both traditional and genetic epidemiologic approaches.
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About the College of Pharmacy
Founded in 1892, the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy is the only pharmacy school in Minnesota, with campuses in the Twin Cities and in Duluth. In 2022, the University’s medical laboratory science and occupational therapy programs were integrated into the college. The medical laboratory science program is the only accredited four-year baccalaureate degree program in a public institution in the State of Minnesota, with students on the Twin Cities campus. The occupational therapy program is the only public doctoral-level program in Minnesota and one of the oldest OT programs in the United States, with campuses in the Twin Cities and Rochester. Collectively, these programs advance the college’s mission to improve health through innovative education, pioneering research and interdisciplinary practice development that attends to the diverse needs of the people of Minnesota and the world. Learn more at pharmacy.umn.edu.
About the Medical School
The University of Minnesota Medical School is at the forefront of learning and discovery, transforming medical care and educating the next generation of physicians. Our graduates and faculty produce high-impact biomedical research and advance the practice of medicine. We acknowledge that the Medical School is located on traditional, ancestral and contemporary lands of the Dakota and the Ojibwe, and scores of other Indigenous people, and we affirm our commitment to tribal communities and their sovereignty as we seek to improve and strengthen our relations with tribal nations. Visit med.umn.edu for more information.
About the Masonic Cancer Center
The Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, is the Twin Cities’ only Comprehensive Cancer Center, designated ‘Outstanding’ by the National Cancer Institute. As Minnesota’s Cancer Center, we have served the entire state for more than 30 years. Our researchers, educators, and care providers work to discover the causes, prevention, detection, and treatment of cancer and cancer-related diseases as well as provide whole-of-life care and resources for survivorship. Learn more at cancer.umn.edu.
About “Expert Alert"
University of Minnesota experts can provide commentary, insights and opinions on various news topics. Find selected experts on the University’s Experts Guide or send requests to [email protected].
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