What we know about the link between ultra-processed foods and cancer
Studies into the health impact of consuming ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are beginning to reveal just how a diet of these types of foods could be detrimental to our health.
A new study published in the journal Gut suggests a potential link between UPFs and increased risk of bowel cancer. Scientists found that the fatty molecules which cause inflammation that are often found in UPFs appear at higher levels in bowel tumours.
It comes as a separate study revealed that rates of bowel cancer in people under 50 are rising more quickly in England compared to many other countries. Researchers found there was an average 3.6% increase in early onset bowel cancer cases every year in England.
Experts believe that the high consumption of UPFs combined with a poor diet, obesity and a lack of exercise play a significant role in the rise of bowel cancer among younger people.
Here’s everything we know about the link between UPFs and cancer.
What’s in UPFs that may be linked to cancer?
Researchers from the University of South Florida found that fatty molecules known as lipids were found in higher levels in the tumours of cancer patients than in healthy tissue adjacent to the tumours.
Lipids are fatty, waxy or oily compounds that are broken down by the body to make smaller molecules of fatty acids and glycerol. However, some lipids can cause inflammation and having too much can cause issues.
For example, hyperlipidemia, also known as high cholesterol, is caused by an excess of lipids of fats in the blood, and can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Timothy Yeatman, co-author of the most recent study and professor of surgery at the University of South Florida, told The Financial Times: "Cancer is like a chronic wound that won’t heat. If your body is living off… UPFs, its ability to heal that wound decreases due to the inflammation and suppression of the immune system that ultimately allows the cancer to grow."
In addition to lipids, UPFs often contain additives such as preservatives, sweeteners, colourings, flavourings, and emulsifiers, as well as higher levels of added sugars, saturated fat and sodium.
They have lower levels of fibre, protein and macronutrient content. While not all UPFs are necessarily bad for you, they are often linked to poor dietary quality.
Why are bowel cancer rates rising in England?
Bowel cancer rates are rising globally, but the recent study, published in the journal Lancet Oncology, found England is among the countries with the biggest rise among those aged 25 to 49.
The reasons behind the rise are not yet fully understood, with experts calling for further research into the underlying causes. But, with more than half of UK adults getting their daily energy intake from UPFs, experts are worried these types of foods are part of the problem.
More worryingly, research from the Universities of Cambridge and Bristol found that British teenagers consume around two-thirds of their daily calories from UPFs.
Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said the latest study revealed "concerning" data about the sharp rise in early onset bowel cancer in England.
"A cancer diagnosis at any age has a huge impact on patients and their families - so while it’s important to note that rates in younger adults are still very low compared to people over 50, we need to understand what’s causing this trend in younger people."
Dr Hyuna Seng, senior principal scientist at the American Cancer Society, which led the findings, added: "The global scope of this concerning trend highlights the need for innovative tools to prevent and control cancers linked to dietary habits, physical inactivity, and excess body weight.
"Raising awareness of the trend and the distinct symptoms of early-onset colorectal cancer (e.g. rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, altered bowel habits, and unexplained weight loss) among young people and primary care providers can help reduce delays in diagnosis and decrease mortality."
Read more about ultra-processed food:
How to know if you’re addicted to ultra-processed foods (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
What is ultra-processed food – and is it bad for you? (The Independent, 3-min read)
Toddlers ‘get half their calories from ultra-processed foods’ – study (PA Media, 4-min read)
