There is growing evidence to suggest that consumption of ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of cancer. Ultra-processed foods are defined as foods that have undergone multiple processing steps and contain many added ingredients such as preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors. Examples of ultra-processed foods include sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and fast food.
Studies have found a link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of several types of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer. One study found that a 10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed foods in the diet was associated with a 12% increase in the risk of cancer overall.
The study made use of UK Biobank data to gather the diet information of 200,000 middle-aged individuals. Researchers monitored the health of the individuals over 10 years, examining the overall risk of any cancer along with the specific risk of 34 different kinds of cancer. The risk of cancer-related death was also looked at.
"Every 10% increase in consumption of ultra-processed foods was also linked to an overall 6% increase in dying from cancer with a 30% increase for ovarian cancer and a 16% increase for breast cancer."
The exact reasons for this link are not yet clear, but it is thought that the high levels of sugar, fat, and salt in ultra-processed foods may contribute to the development of cancer. Additionally, some of the additives and chemicals used in the processing of these foods may be carcinogenic.
“The average person in the UK consumes more than half of their daily energy intake from ultra-processed foods,” noted first author Kiara Chang of Imperial College London. “This is exceptionally high and concerning as ultra-processed foods are produced with industrially derived ingredients and often use food additives to adjust color, flavor, consistency, texture, or extend shelf life. Our bodies may not react the same way to these ultra-processed ingredients and additives as they do to fresh and nutritious minimally processed foods. This shows our food environment needs urgent reform to protect the population from ultra-processed foods.”
It is important to note that not all processed foods are created equal. Foods such as canned vegetables, frozen fruits, and whole-grain bread are still considered processed but are generally considered to be healthier options than ultra-processed foods. A healthy diet should include a variety of whole, minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
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Cancer