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Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Food that makes up more than half of western diets linked to lung cancer
Ultra-processed foods filled with preservatives, additives and flavour enhancers have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. In the UK and US, more than half of the average diet consists of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), such as ready meals, fast food and fizzy drinks. A previous BMJ study in 2024 linked UPFs to 32 harmful health effects including a higher risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, adverse mental health and early death. Now, eating UPFs has been linked to lung cancer - the most common cancer in the world, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. There were an estimated 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths from the disease worldwide in 2020, researchers of the study published in the respiratory journal Thorax said. But limiting consumption of these foods may help curb the global impact of the disease, the researchers say. Although there is no exact definition of a UPF, these foods typically undergo multiple processing steps, contain long lists of additives and preservatives, and are ready-to-eat or heat. Researchers drew on data from the US Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trials, involving 155,000 participants aged 55 to 74 who were randomly assigned to either a screening or comparison group between November 1993 and July 2001. Cancer diagnoses were tracked until the end of 2009, and cancer deaths until the end of 2018. A total of 101,732 people (50,187 men and 51,545 women, with an average age of 62) who completed a questionnaire on their dietary habits upon entry to the trials were included in the study. Foods were categorised as: unprocessed or minimally processed; containing processed culinary ingredients; processed; or ultra-processed. The researchers focused in particular on UPFs that included sour cream, as well as cream cheese, ice cream, frozen yoghurt, fried foods, bread, baked goods, salted snacks, breakfast cereals, instant noodles, shop-bought soups and sauces, margarine, confectionery, soft drinks, sweetened fruit drinks, restaurant/shop-bought hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza. The three types of food that featured the most were lunch meat (11 per cent), diet or caffeinated soft drinks (just over 7 per cent) and decaffeinated soft drinks (nearly 7 per cent). Participants were tracked for 12 years and in that time, 1,706 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed, including 1,473 cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 233 of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). After accounting for potentially influential factors, including smoking and overall diet quality, participants who ate the most UPFs were 41 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer than those who ate the least. Overall, they were 37 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with NSCLC and 44 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with SCLC. Because it was an observational study and no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, researchers acknowledge that they weren't able to factor in smoking intensity, which may have been influential. Dietary information was collected only once, so they could not account for changes over time, and the number of cancer diagnoses was small. But researchers do highlight the low nutritional value of UPFs and the excessive amounts of salt, sugar and fats they contain. 'The rise in UPF consumption may have driven global increases in obesity, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, cancer and mortality, as these foods are confirmed risk factors for such conditions,' the researchers suggested. 'Industrial processing alters the food matrix, affecting nutrient availability and absorption, while also generating harmful contaminants,' they added, highlighting acrolein, which is found in grilled sausages and caramel sweets and is a toxic component of cigarette smoke. Packaging materials may also have a role to play, they suggested. 'You can't say from this study that UPFs cause cancer as it's observational, so we're looking at associations, not direct effects. But it does strengthen the case for looking more closely at the food environment many people are living in where UPFs are cheap, convenient, and heavily marketed, making them a go-to for many,' Rob Hobson, nutritionist and author of Unprocess Your Family Life, told The Independent. He suggested, rather than 'pointing figures at individual foods', to instead make small shifts towards a healthier diet. 'That might mean cooking more from scratch where possible, adding in more whole foods like vegetables, beans and grains, or just becoming more aware of how often UPFs show up in your day,' he said. 'It's not about being perfect, it's about balance and understanding how your food choices could be supporting or undermining your long-term health.'
The Independent
2 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Food that makes up more than half of western diets linked to lung cancer
Ultra-processed foods filled with preservatives, additives and flavour enhancers have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. In the UK and US, more than half of the average diet consists of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), such as ready meals, fast food and fizzy drinks. A previous BMJ study in 2024 linked UPFs to 32 harmful health effects including a higher risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, adverse mental health and early death. Now, eating UPFs has been linked to lung cancer - the most common cancer in the world, according to the World Cancer Research Fund. There were an estimated 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths from the disease worldwide in 2020, researchers of the study published in the respiratory journal Thorax said. But limiting consumption of these foods may help curb the global impact of the disease, the researchers say. Although there is no exact definition of a UPF, these foods typically undergo multiple processing steps, contain long lists of additives and preservatives, and are ready-to-eat or heat. Researchers drew on data from the US Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trials, involving 155,000 participants aged 55 to 74 who were randomly assigned to either a screening or comparison group between November 1993 and July 2001. Cancer diagnoses were tracked until the end of 2009, and cancer deaths until the end of 2018. A total of 101,732 people (50,187 men and 51,545 women, with an average age of 62) who completed a questionnaire on their dietary habits upon entry to the trials were included in the study. Foods were categorised as: unprocessed or minimally processed; containing processed culinary ingredients; processed; or ultra-processed. The researchers focused in particular on UPFs that included sour cream, as well as cream cheese, ice cream, frozen yoghurt, fried foods, bread, baked goods, salted snacks, breakfast cereals, instant noodles, shop-bought soups and sauces, margarine, confectionery, soft drinks, sweetened fruit drinks, restaurant/shop-bought hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza. The three types of food that featured the most were lunch meat (11 per cent), diet or caffeinated soft drinks (just over 7 per cent) and decaffeinated soft drinks (nearly 7 per cent). Participants were tracked for 12 years and in that time, 1,706 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed, including 1,473 cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 233 of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). After accounting for potentially influential factors, including smoking and overall diet quality, participants who ate the most UPFs were 41 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer than those who ate the least. Overall, they were 37 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with NSCLC and 44 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with SCLC. Because it was an observational study and no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, researchers acknowledge that they weren't able to factor in smoking intensity, which may have been influential. Dietary information was collected only once, so they could not account for changes over time, and the number of cancer diagnoses was small. But researchers do highlight the low nutritional value of UPFs and the excessive amounts of salt, sugar and fats they contain. 'The rise in UPF consumption may have driven global increases in obesity, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, cancer and mortality, as these foods are confirmed risk factors for such conditions,' the researchers suggested. 'Industrial processing alters the food matrix, affecting nutrient availability and absorption, while also generating harmful contaminants,' they added, highlighting acrolein, which is found in grilled sausages and caramel sweets and is a toxic component of cigarette smoke. Packaging materials may also have a role to play, they suggested. 'You can't say from this study that UPFs cause cancer as it's observational, so we're looking at associations, not direct effects. But it does strengthen the case for looking more closely at the food environment many people are living in where UPFs are cheap, convenient, and heavily marketed, making them a go-to for many,' Rob Hobson, nutritionist and author of Unprocess Your Family Life, told The Independent. He suggested, rather than 'pointing figures at individual foods', to instead make small shifts towards a healthier diet. 'That might mean cooking more from scratch where possible, adding in more whole foods like vegetables, beans and grains, or just becoming more aware of how often UPFs show up in your day,' he said. 'It's not about being perfect, it's about balance and understanding how your food choices could be supporting or undermining your long-term health.'
Daily Mail
8 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Experts reveal the best foods to eat to prevent and stop migraine attacks
Experts have revealed the best foods you can eat to stop, and potentially prevent, migraine attacks. A migraine is a neurological condition that causes severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. More than just a typical headache, migraines, which affect about 39 million Americans, can worsen with movement, lights and sounds and cause nausea, vomiting, numbness in limbs and vision changes. A migraine attack can last for hours to days and a majority of sufferers are unable to work or function normally during an attack. The severity of the pain caused from migraines may vary from person to person and can spread from the head to around the eyes, face, sinuses, jaw and neck and can interfere with regular life. While treatments such as over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers and lifestyle changes can help deal with the pain, they can come with a host of undesirable side effects and hefty costs. However, experts now say that eating fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, sardines and oysters, all of which are high in omega-3 fatty acids and known for their anti-inflammatory properties, can be helpful. Kayla Farrell, a registered dietitian, told Prevention: 'While identifying and avoiding trigger foods is important, incorporating nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods into the diet can also support migraine management.' During a migraine, the brainstem (a part of the brain connected to the spinal cord) becomes activated and triggers the release of chemicals known as neuropeptides. These chemicals cause inflammation and swelling in the blood vessels in the brain, which leads to throbbing pain in the head, eyes, temples, neck and face. While the pain may fade after a while, those suffering from chronic migraines may have some level of constant inflammation in their brain. However, experts say that consuming a high amount of omega-3 fatty fish, particularly DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), can help reduce this inflammation over time. A 2021 BMJ study found that those who consumed diets high in EPA and DHA for 16 weeks reported about 40 percent fewer headache days per month and a decreased frequency of headache hours per day than people who had a lower intake of these omega-3 fats. The researchers found that diets high in EPA and DHA omega-3 fats increased blood levels of oxylipin, a byproduct of omega-3s that helps reduce pain and inflammation in the brain. Additionally, both EPA and DHA fats can reduce the production of cytokines and eicosanoids - two kinds of protein molecules that are key players in causing inflammation in the body. Consuming these foods regularly, ideally two or more three-ounce servings per week, can help reduce overall brain inflammation with time and reduce the frequency of migraine episodes. For non meat-eaters and vegans, experts suggest consuming flax seeds, edamame and avocados, which are also rich in omega-3 fats and can provide the same benefits as fatty fish. Previous studies have linked migraines to different gastrointestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease. While it remains unclear how GI disorders can lead to migraines, scientists believe that also eating fiber-rich foods such as beans, berries and apples can help ease GI pain and in turn, ease the brain's pain receptors. High magnesium content in foods such as brown rice, bananas and dark leafy greens can also soothe migraine pain. According to Farrell, a 2021 study in the journal Headache found people who experienced migraines were not receiving enough magnesium, 'a mineral that plays a role in muscle and nerve function.' The researchers involved in the study found that consuming magnesium-rich foods can promote the release of serotonin in the brain - a chemical that is responsible for blood vessel constriction and dilation in the brain. Low serotonin levels can lead to thinning of the brain's blood vessels, which can trigger pain signals and lead to a migraine and its other symptoms. However, consuming magnesium-rich foods can help increase overall serotonin levels in the body which can dilate the blood vessels in the brain and open them up and reduce pain. Apart from this, Dr Sandip Sachar, a New York-based board-certified dentist, also noted that at times, migraines can be triggered by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) - a condition that can cause tightening of muscles around the jaw, head and neck. Due to the close proximity of the temporomandibular joint to the areas where migraines are often felt, any tension in the jaw and face can create pressure in the head and cause a migraine. However, Dr Sachar suggests that eating soft food such as mashed sweet potatoes and scrambled eggs that are easy to chew and will not trigger jaw pain can help prevent migraine flare-ups. Additionally, Dr Brian Gerhardstein, director of headache medicine at JFK University Medical Center also recommends eating water-rich foods such as cucumbers and watermelons. He explained: 'The concept of food triggers in the development of migraine headaches is complex. 'It is important to maintain adequate hydration throughout the course of the day as well.'
Global News
a day ago
- Health
- Global News
Use of IUDs up after B.C. made birth control free
A new study shows more women opted for long-acting birth control methods after British Columbia began covering the cost, which researchers say is a strong reason for Ottawa's pharmacare plan to do the same. The study found prescriptions for all types of birth control jumped significantly after the province began covering contraceptives in April 2023, with a 49 per cent jump in prescriptions for intrauterine devices (IUDs) driving the increase. The paper published Monday in the BMJ examined the prescriptions of nearly 860,000 women in the 15 months after contraception coverage began and compared them to what would have been expected without coverage. Among prescriptions for women aged 15 to 49 between April 2023 and June 2024, 11,000 more women were prescribed IUDs, which are inserted into the uterus to prevent fertilization and considered 10 times more effective than pills or condoms. Story continues below advertisement 5:57 What Pharmacare expansion means for Canadians Reached in Vancouver, lead author Laura Schummers said IUDs can cost up to $450 out-of-pocket compared to approximately $25 for a month of pills, according to a government estimate. Though IUDs last at least three years, they cost more upfront. 'This tells us that costs alone are a huge barrier to the most effective methods of contraception across Canada,' said Schummers, an assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of British Columbia. Schummers says these results clearly demonstrate the need for national pharmacare coverage, as affordable access is unequal across the country. Many other provinces will only cover contraception for those who are below a certain age or income. The federal government said just a fraction of Canadians are eligible for that low- or no-cost option. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The British Columbia government started covering 100 per cent of the cost of all IUDs, such as copper and hormonal, contraceptive implants and injections, vaginal rings, most birth control pills and emergency oral contraceptives on April 1, 2023. Story continues below advertisement The federal government announced in October 2024 that it intended to cover the cost of contraception and diabetes medications. That required the government to negotiate and sign deals with each province and territory. The federal government announced in October 2024 that it intended to cover the cost of contraception and diabetes medications. That required the government to negotiate and sign deals with each province and territory. But the Liberal leadership changed ahead of the spring election. Last week, federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel said the Mark Carney government would not commit to signing pharmacare funding deals beyond the three provinces and one territory that did so under Justin Trudeau. Those include P.E.I., B.C., Manitoba and Yukon. A spokesperson for the minister says the government will protect the four deals that have been signed. Schummers says those who cannot afford IUDs may either choose cheaper but less effective methods, or forgo contraceptives altogether. 0:32 Pharmacare bill covering diabetes, birth control medications passes Senate 'This is not a small fraction of people who are falling through the cracks,' she says. Story continues below advertisement The study says that 15 months after the policy was implemented, there were 1,981 more monthly prescriptions filled when compared to what they were expecting based on pre-policy trends. Schummers says the increase in IUD use was seen across all age groups, but most pronounced for people aged 20 to 29, many who had previously not been using any prescription contraception. Halifax pharmacist Kari Ellen Graham says she's seen customers prescribed birth control leave empty-handed because of the cost. She said one woman was in an abusive relationship but could not afford to pay out-of-pocket for birth control. The next summer, she saw the woman with a newborn in tow. 'We see this all the time in gender-based violence and it's a really sad thing when people don't have reproductive autonomy,' Graham said. There are deductibles and copayment options for contraception in Nova Scotia, but both require the patient to pay at the counter. 'It's been decades that we've been having these conversations around birth control here in Nova Scotia and we are exactly where we were decades ago,' she said. Dr. Amanda Black, past president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, said there's a financial incentive for the federal government to cover the cost of contraception. Story continues below advertisement A paper she authored in 2015 estimated the direct health-care cost of unintended pregnancies in Canada was at least $320 million per year, which she said is very likely higher in 2025. That figure accounted for the cost of abortions, ectopic pregnancies and births. She said UBC researchers in 2018 estimated that the provincial government breaks even within two years of funding birth control. 'After that the government is actually saving money,' said Black, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Ottawa. Black said it would be a step backwards for women's health in Canada if the federal government stops signing pharmacare agreements with the provinces, particularly as reproductive rights are being rolled back in other parts of the world. 'We want to be moving forward and continue to move forward and this is one of the biggest things that has happened for women's gender equity in decades.' – with file from Sarah Ritchie This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2025. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Study finds more women opted for IUDs after B.C. made birth control free
A new study shows more women opted for long-acting birth control methods after British Columbia began covering the cost, which researchers say is strong reason for Ottawa's pharmacare plan to do the same. The study found prescriptions for all types of birth control jumped significantly after the province began covering contraceptives in April 2023, with a 49 per cent jump in prescriptions for intrauterine devices (IUDs) driving the increase. The paper published Monday in the BMJ examined the prescriptions of nearly 860,000 women in the 15 months after contraception coverage began and compared them to what would have been expected without coverage. Among prescriptions for women aged 15 to 49 between April 2023 and June 2024, 11,000 more women were prescribed IUDs, which are inserted into the uterus to prevent fertilization and considered 10 times more effective than pills or condoms. Reached in Vancouver, lead author Laura Schummers said IUDs can cost up to $450 out-of-pocket compared to approximately $25 for a month of pills, according to a government estimate. Though IUDs last at least three years, they cost more upfront. 'This tells us that costs alone are a huge barrier to the most effective methods of contraception across Canada,' said Schummers, an assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of British Columbia. Schummers says these results clearly demonstrate the need for national pharmacare coverage, as affordable access is unequal across the country. Many other provinces will only cover contraception for those who are below a certain age or income. The federal government said just a fraction of Canadians are eligible for that low or no cost option. The British Columbia government started covering 100 per cent of the cost of all IUDs, such as copper and hormonal, contraceptive implants and injections, vaginal rings, most birth control pills and emergency oral contraceptives on April 1, 2023. The federal government announced in October 2024 that it intended to cover the cost of contraception and diabetes medications. That required the government to negotiate and sign deals with each province and territory. The federal government announced in October 2024 that it intended to cover the cost of contraception and diabetes medications. That required the government to negotiate and sign deals with each province and territory. But the Liberal leadership changed ahead of the spring election. Last week, federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel said the Mark Carney government would not commit to signing pharmacare funding deals beyond the three provinces and one territory that did so under Justin Trudeau. Those include P.E.I., B.C., Manitoba and Yukon. A spokesperson for the minister says the government will protect the four deals that have been signed. Schummers says those who cannot afford IUDs may either choose cheaper but less effective methods, or forgo contraceptives altogether. 'This is not a small fraction of people who are falling through the cracks,' she says. The study says that 15 months after the policy was implemented, there were 1,981 more monthly prescriptions filled when compared to what they were expecting based on pre-policy trends. Schummers says the increase in IUD use was seen across all age groups, but most pronounced for people aged 20 to 29, many who had previously not been using any prescription contraception. Halifax pharmacist Kari Ellen Graham says she's seen customers prescribed birth control leave empty-handed because of the cost. She said one woman was in an abusive relationship but could not afford to pay out-of-pocket for birth control. The next summer, she saw the woman with a newborn in tow. 'We see this all the time in gender-based violence and it's a really sad thing when people don't have reproductive autonomy,' Graham said. There are deductibles and copayment options for contraception in Nova Scotia, but both require the patient to pay at the counter. 'It's been decades that we've been having these conversations around birth control here in Nova Scotia and we are exactly where we were decades ago,' she said. Dr. Amanda Black, past president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, said there's a financial incentive for the federal government to cover the cost of contraception. A paper she authored in 2015 estimated the direct health-care cost of unintended pregnancies in Canada was at least $320 million per year, which she said is very likely higher in 2025. That figure accounted for the cost of abortions, ectopic pregnancies and births. She said UBC researchers in 2018 estimated that the provincial government breaks even within two years of funding birth control. 'After that the government is actually saving money,' said Black, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Ottawa. Black said it would be a step backwards for women's health in Canada if the federal government stops signing pharmacare agreements with the provinces, particularly as reproductive rights are being rolled back in other parts of the world. 'We want to be moving forward and continue to move forward and this is one of the biggest things that has happened for women's gender equity in decades.' - with file from Sarah Ritchie This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 28, 2025. Canadian Press health coverage receives support through a partnership with the Canadian Medical Association. CP is solely responsible for this content.
