The connection isn't completely about the fact you are eating red meat. The connection is really due to the fact that most people that eat a lot of red meat tend not to eat much high fiber. If you eat a high fiber diet you decrease your risk of cancer. This being said genetics is much more important. Basically if you are over 50 you need a colonoscopy. If you have a family member who had or has colon cancer you need to get a colonoscopy 5-10 years before they were diagnosed, or at age 50 which ever comes first!