Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Pre-Cancerous Bowel Growths in Women
Women who regularly consume ultra-processed foods (UPFs) face a significantly heightened risk of developing pre-cancerous growths in the bowel, according to a major new study. The research, published in the prestigious journal Jama Oncology, provides crucial insight into the potential role of modern diets in the rising incidence of bowel cancer among younger adults.
Key Findings from the Long-Term Study
The investigation tracked the health and dietary habits of 29,105 women over a substantial period, from 1991 to 2015. The average age of participants was 45 years at the outset. Analysis revealed a stark contrast in health outcomes based on food choices.
Researchers identified 1,189 cases of early-onset adenomas – non-cancerous growths that can precede bowel cancer – within the group. Crucially, the data showed that women with the highest consumption of UPFs had a 45 per cent greater likelihood of developing these polyps compared to those with the lowest intake.
Implications for Public Health and Policy
While the study does not directly measure cancer risk, experts emphasise that it powerfully underscores the influence of diet on early changes in the bowel. Cancer Research UK has highlighted the importance of these findings, suggesting they add weight to calls for broader policy changes aimed at promoting healthier food choices across the population.
The connection between a diet high in ultra-processed foods and the development of adenomas offers a valuable clue in understanding why bowel cancer rates are increasing in younger age groups. This research moves the conversation beyond general dietary advice to a more specific warning about the potential dangers of frequent UPF consumption.
