Ultra-Processed Foods And Risk Of Early Onset Colon Cancer

The Study

There has been a very disturbing trend of increasing colon cancer incidence in patients under the age of 50 in recent years. This study tries to figure out one of the reasons why this is happening. 29,105 young women from Harvard’s Nurses’ Health Study II cohort had their diet and colonoscopy results monitored for a 24-year follow-up.

The results were compelling. When comparing subjects consuming the most ultra-processed foods to those consuming the least, there was a 45% increased risk of early onset colorectal conventional adenomas.

JAMA Oncol. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2025.4777

Take Home Message

Ultra-processed food are commercially produced food products that are ready to eat and low in bioactive compounds such as fiber, vitamins and polyphenols. They are usually high in unhealthy fats, refined carbs, sodium and food additives.

In this cohort, the most common sources of ultra-processed foods were breads, breakfast foods, sauces, spreads and condiments. 

The authors believed that these foods may disrupt gut microbiota and increase inflammation in the colon, leading to an increased risk of colon cancer.

Do your best to limit ultra-processed foods and eat your food in its whole and natural form.