Does eating chicken regularly cause cancer?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, regularly consuming qualified chicken does not cause cancer and can instead provide nutritional benefits. However, long-term consumption of improperly handled or untraceable chicken may increase health risks. When eating chicken regularly, it's important to choose reputable sources, prioritize healthy cooking methods, and maintain a balanced diet with vegetables and whole grains. Avoid eating chicken exclusively over long periods and limit intake of fried or grilled chicken products.

Under normal circumstances, regularly consuming qualified chicken does not cause cancer—in fact, it helps provide essential nutrients. However, long-term consumption of improperly handled or untraceable chicken may increase health risks. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Chicken is a high-quality source of protein, rich in various amino acids and minerals, meeting daily dietary nutritional needs. As long as chicken from正规 channels and approved by inspection is selected, and healthy cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, or stewing are used, regular consumption will not lead to cancer and is beneficial rather than harmful to the body.

However, long-term consumption of fried or barbecued chicken poses risks, as high-temperature cooking can generate carcinogenic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In addition, chicken from untraceable sources may contain excessive hormones or antibiotics, and prolonged intake could create health hazards and indirectly increase disease risk.

In daily diets, attention should be paid to selecting chicken from reputable sources, prioritizing healthy cooking methods, and combining it with vegetables and whole grains for balanced nutrition. Avoiding long-term reliance on a single food type and limiting intake of fried or grilled chicken can better ensure food safety and promote overall health.