More young adults with colorectal cancer this dietary mistake is costly.
A large study found that eating ultra processed foods increases the risk of developing polyps in the colon that can turn into cancer.
A leading gastroenterologist explains that the research strengthens the understanding that diet and lifestyle significantly affect health and calls on the public to pay attention to what goes on the plate from a young age: Instead of pushing colonoscopy age lower and lower perhaps it is better to address the problem at the root.
Worldwide and especially in the United States there is a sharp rise in rates of colon and rectal cancer among young adults.
At the same time consumption of ultra processed foods is expanding rapidly already making up about 70 percent of the food supply in the US and nearly 60 percent of adult calorie intake.
Many studies point to a link between this trend and increased risk of developing these types of cancer.
A new first of its kind study conducted among over 29 thousand women adds to the evidence and strengthens the suspicion: a diet high in ultra processed food may significantly increase the risk of adenomas in the colon non cancerous tumors in the colon and rectum that can develop into cancer. The study found that the main ultra processed foods consumed came from breads and industrial breakfast foods all types of sauces and spreads and even sweetened or diet drinks.
Among the participants those who consumed the highest amount of ultra processed foods about 10 servings per day had a 45 percent higher risk of developing these tumors by age 50 compared with participants who consumed the lowest amount slightly over three servings per day.
The study followed 29,105 nurses over a median follow up period of 13 years and was published in JAMA Oncology.
The numbers are worrying
The gastroenterologist explains that this is a particularly high quality study: It followed women forward in time rather than retrospectively and was based on a very large participant group.
One notable advantage is that it examined a young population much younger than the typical starting age for colon cancer screening.
She notes that in the US there is already experience lowering the screening age to 45.
The new study looking at earlier ages fills this gap and highlights an important perspective.
She emphasizes that colorectal cancer is influenced by genetics but also environmental exposure diet lifestyle and more.
The study findings raise thoughts: they suggest that not everything is about genetics.
Environmental exposure particularly the food we eat may play a larger role than previously thought. She points out a concerning figure: more than 60 percent of adult food consumption in the US comes from ultra processed foods meaning junk food.
While the situation is better elsewhere the numbers are still worrying. Lifestyle responsibility should start early and these exposures have a cost that may appear later in life.
Instead of pushing colonoscopy age lower and lower it may be better to address the problem at the root.
Stop giving infants and children processed foods at a very young age.
Start education for good nutrition early.
It requires investment effort and money but pays off much more in the long term.
Experts recommend paying attention to ingredient lists on food packages monitoring sodium intake and examining how different foods affect general well being.
Ultra processed foods tend to be less filling and may encourage overeating while whole and natural foods provide long lasting satiety.
Early detection increases recovery chances
Non cancerous colon tumors usually do not cause symptoms early but when they develop they may show signs that require medical attention.
Symptoms can include black or bloody stools, stomach pain, anemia from low iron, unexpected weight loss, digestive problems, and constipation due to an obstruction.
Experts stress the importance of screening from age 45 or earlier for those with a family history of colorectal cancer.
Early detection is particularly significant as it allows effective treatment and improves recovery chances.
Participants in the study were part of a large ongoing health study that started in 1989 tracking thousands of nurses born between 1947 and 1964 to identify risk factors for chronic diseases in women.
Participants completed dietary questionnaires starting in 1991 and repeated them every four years. Researchers note inherent limitations as the method relies on memory which is not always accurate.
Most tumors were identified in endoscopic exams performed before 2015 before screening age was lowered to 45.
This means some women examined early likely had increased risk due to family history or symptoms that required investigation.
One key strength of the study was the ability to account for additional risk factors such as BMI type 2 diabetes and low fiber intake. Even after adjustments the link between high ultra processed food consumption and colon adenomas remained clear.
No link was found between ultra processed food consumption and serrated lesions another type of pre cancerous polyp.
Researchers suggest this may indicate that ultra processed foods mainly influence the biological pathway leading to adenomas and not other types of polyps.
Clinical dietitian explains ultra processed food is a collective term for industrial products containing additives uncommon in home cooking such as food coloring flavoring agents preservatives stabilizers and emulsifiers.
These foods usually contain almost no natural ingredients in their original form and are sometimes designed to be convenient tasty and available anytime.
Most also have low nutritional quality high sugar saturated fat and salt and very little fiber or vitamins.
When choosing what to eat it is important to read the ingredient list.
The shorter the list and the more familiar the ingredients the lower the chance it is ultra processed food.
Preference should always be for unprocessed or minimally processed foods such as vegetables fruits whole grains legumes nuts and lean proteins.
Home cooked meals are recommended over industrial or ready made products.
Additional health risks of ultra processed foods include increased risk of overweight and obesity type 2 diabetes cardiovascular disease and stroke.
These links are well established in meta analyses and reviews showing diets high in ultra processed foods can lead to worse health outcomes.
The risk is mainly explained by the poor nutritional quality of these foods.
They are high in added sugars saturated fats and salt and low in fiber and essential micronutrients like vitamins minerals and antioxidants.
Education in healthy lifestyle is key
Despite the significance of the findings the gastroenterologist stresses the study does not prove causation.
It indicates a link and an effect but does not directly prove that ultra processed food causes cancer. However there is a clear message to be aware of how much of this food we consume.
She also addresses the so called healthy foods: we need to be alert to advertisements branding food as healthy when it is processed.
The public must learn to read labels and understand what they are really eating. Body health is a long term process many diseases in old age beyond genetics begin much earlier in diet stress physical activity and factors that can be influenced throughout life.
Alongside screening tests it is important to act systemically.
Stop giving infants and children processed food at a very young age and start education for good nutrition early.
It requires investment effort and money but pays off more in the long term.