High consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) may be linked to a greater risk of developing cancer overall, especially ovarian and brain cancers, a recent study has shown.
It may also be linked to a higher chance of dying from cancer, most notably ovarian and breast cancers.
And, these links remained after adjusting for a range of socio-economic, behavioural and dietary factors, such as smoking status, physical activity and body mass index (BMI).
Study
Researchers from Imperial College London followed approximately 200,000 middle-aged UK adults over a decade and examined their risk of developing cancer, and cancer-related mortality, in relation to UPF consumption.
UPFs are, according to study researchers, foods that have been heavily processed during their production, i.e. fizzy drinks, mass-produced packaged breads, many ready-made meals and most breakfast cereals.
In particular, the study, which was published in eClinicalMedicine, examined the specific risk of developing 34 types of cancer, and the risk of people dying from cancer.
It found that for every 10% increment in UPF consumption, mortality of overall cancer increased 6%, breast cancer deaths by 16% and ovarian deaths by 30%.
It also found that for every 10% increment of UPFs in the diet the risk of overall cancer incidence increased by 2% and ovarian cancer by 19%.
Commenting on the results, lead senior author for the study, Dr. Eszter Vamos said: “This study adds to the growing evidence that ultra-processed foods are likely to negatively impact our health including our risk for cancer.
“Given the high levels of consumption in UK adults and children, this has important implications for future health outcomes.”
As the study is observational – meaning it does not show a causal link between UPFs and cancer – Dr. Vamos said further research is needed to understand public health strategies to tackle any possible harm.
However, Dr. Kiara Change, first author for the study, suggests beginning with better labelling.
“We need clear front of pack warning labels for ultra-processed foods to aid consumer choices, and our sugar tax should be extended to cover ultra-processed fizzy drinks, fruit-based and milk-based drinks, as well as other ultra-processed products,” she said.
“Lower income households are particularly vulnerable to these cheap and unhealthy ultra-processed foods,” she added.
“Minimally processed and freshly prepared meals should be subsidised to ensure everyone has access to healthy, nutritious and affordable options.”
Ultra-processed food consumption, cancer risk and cancer mortality: A large-scale prospective analysis with the UK Biobank was funded by The Cancer Research UK and World Cancer Research Fund.
It also involved collaboration with researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), University of São Paulo, and NOVA University Lisbon.
