Health experts are raising concerns after a new study found a strong connection between ultra-processed foods and an increased risk of colon cancer in young women. Published in JAMA Oncology, the research tracked more than 29,000 women over two decades. The findings were clear: women who ate about 10 servings of ultra-processed foods daily had a 45% higher chance of developing precancerous colon polyps compared to those who ate the least.
Ultra-processed foods include sugary drinks, chips, packaged cookies, frozen meals, processed meats, and similar items. These products often contain ingredients not typically used in home kitchens, such as chemical preservatives, artificial flavors, and high fructose corn syrup. Shockingly, they make up about 70% of the U.S. food supply.
Dr. Andrew Chan, senior study author, warned that these foods may disrupt gut microbes and damage the intestines. “The increased risk seems to be fairly linear, meaning that the more ultra-processed foods you eat, the more potential that it could lead to colon polyps,” he said.
Although some ultra-processed foods like yogurt and whole-grain cereal offer benefits, Dr. Marian Neuhouser explained that many others are harmful when overconsumed.
Dr. Robin Mendelsohn noted the study’s limitations, pointing out it focused on mostly white female nurses. Still, experts agree the results align with earlier research on ultra-processed diets.
Diet isn’t a complete explanation,” Dr. Chan added. “But identifying other risk factors for early onset colorectal cancer is a key part of our work.”
This research should serve as a wake-up call about what we’re eating every day.
