High Intake of Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Higher Risk of Bowel Cancer Precursors

High Intake of Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Higher Risk of Bowel Cancer Precursors
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Women who consume large amounts of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may face a higher risk of developing bowel cancer precursors, according to new research, The Independent reported. A study published in Jama Oncology found that frequent intake of UPFs was associated with a significantly increased likelihood of developing adenomas—non-cancerous growths in the bowel that can evolve into cancer over time.

Researchers tracked 29,105 women with an average age of 45, collecting detailed dietary surveys every four years. Women who consumed the highest levels of UPFs, averaging nearly 10 servings a day, had a 45% higher chance of developing early-onset adenomas compared with those who ate the least. In total, 1,189 early adenoma cases were identified.

UPFs highlighted in the study included processed meats, packaged snacks, ready meals, sweetened cereals and frozen pizzas. By contrast, women with the lowest UPF intake averaged just over three daily servings.

Experts say the findings contribute to ongoing efforts to understand why bowel cancer rates among younger adults have risen sharply—up 62% among people aged 25 to 49 since the early 1990s.

The authors emphasized the need for broader research across larger and more diverse populations, while Cancer Research UK noted that overall dietary patterns remain more important to cancer risk than any single food category.