Study links ultra-processed foods to higher risk of early colorectal cancer precursors
High consumption of ultra-processed foods linked to 45% higher risk of colorectal cancer precursors in women.
Why it matters
- Early-onset colorectal cancer is becoming more common in adults under 50.
- Ultra-processed foods may be a significant risk factor, suggesting dietary changes could help mitigate this trend.
By the numbers
- Study included almost 30,000 women.
- Participants consuming the most ultra-processed foods had a 45% higher risk of developing adenomas compared to those consuming the least.
- On average, participants consumed 5.7 servings of ultra-processed foods per day, accounting for 35% of total daily calories.
The big picture
- The rise in early-onset colorectal cancer is not fully explained by ultra-processed foods alone; other risk factors are being investigated.
- Reducing ultra-processed food intake could be a strategy to lower the risk of early-onset colorectal cancer.
What they're saying
- Top comments mention a book recommendation and a question about whether exercise can offset the risks of a diet high in ultra-processed foods.
Caveats
- Study is observational, so it can't prove causation, only association.
- Diet was self-reported, which can introduce bias.
- Findings may not be generalizable to the entire population as the study was conducted on female nurses.
What’s next
- Researchers are working to identify other risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer.
- Further studies are needed to better categorize ultra-processed foods and understand their impacts.