Can processed and red meat cause cancer? The World Health Organization's classification raises concerns

On 26 October 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization (WHO), announced that it has classified processed meat as 'carcinogenic to humans', and red meat as 'probably carcinogenic to humans'. Stakeholder responses have varied from putting things into perspective, to criticising the decision, to cautioning against alarmist reactions.