Concerning new research suggests a significant link between regular consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and an increased likelihood of developing bowel polyps in women under 50. These polyps have been associated with cancer, and this finding comes amidst a global analysis indicating that colon cancer is the only form of the disease to have solely surged in this younger age group, prompting researchers to investigate potential environmental triggers.

Ultra-processed foods, often characterized by being low in fiber and containing emulsifiers, have long been implicated in bowel cancer. However, data on the connection between UPFs and early-onset growths in the bowel has largely been overlooked until now. The study, conducted by leading cancer experts from PROSPECT—an initiative funded by Cancer Grand Challenges (a global research program by Cancer Research UK and the National Cancer Institute)—examined endoscopy results from over 29,100 women.

The researchers discovered that women who consumed the most UPFs faced a 45 percent increased risk of developing growths on their large intestine or rectum. While polyps are typically harmless and not always a cause for concern, a small number can become cancerous over time. Dr. Andrew Chan, a clinical and translational epidemiology expert at Massachusetts General Hospital and the study's lead author, highlighted the growing incidence of bowel cancer in younger adults and the ongoing efforts to understand its causes, including diet, lack of exercise, and disruptions to the gut microbiome.

Published in the journal JAMA Oncology, the study specifically analyzed whether higher UPF intake correlated with an increased risk of non-cancerous tumors and serrated lesions in the bowel, which are considered the primary precursors to colorectal cancers. The research compared lower-endoscopy results of 29,105 female nurses, aged 25 to 42, enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study II, aiming to gain early insights into diet-related cancer progression. Data on lifestyle factors, family and medical history, and dietary habits were meticulously collected through biennial and quadrennial questionnaires, respectively, starting from 1989 and 1991. Participants with a history of irritable bowel disease (IBS), colorectal polyps, or a cancer diagnosis prior to endoscopy were excluded. The follow-up period extended until June 1, 2015, by which time all participants had reached 50 years of age.

UPF intake was assessed using food frequency questionnaires, classifying items into four groups based on the Nova classification system: unprocessed or minimally processed, processed ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods, encompassing over 130 distinct items. Within the UPF category, foods were further refined based on their health benefits, for instance, distinguishing between wholegrain bread and sugary cakes. Overall, UPF consumption was measured by the number of daily servings relative to total calorie intake.

Over the 24-year study period, the findings revealed that women with the highest UPF consumption also tended to have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI), smoked more, and had a greater prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Additionally, these women were more likely to use anti-inflammatory painkillers like aspirin and hormone replacement therapy, while being less inclined to take supplements or engage in physical activity. On average, UPFs constituted approximately 35 percent of total daily calories, equating to around 5.7 servings per day, primarily sourced from breads, breakfast foods, sauces, spreads, condiments, and sugary drinks.

By the study's conclusion, 1,189 cases of early-onset tumors and 1,598 serrated lesions were recorded. A significant association was found between higher UPF intake and the development of early-onset tumors, though not with lesions, with artificially sweetened drinks identified as a key driver of this trend. The researchers concluded that the combined exposure to multiple food additives might create a