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First Post
3 days ago
- Health
- First Post
Ditch that soda and noodles. The lung cancer link to ultra-processed foods
A study in the Thorax journal reveals that those consuming ultra-processed foods like fast food and sugary drinks have a 41 per cent higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to those who ate the least. The study analysed data of over 100,000 Americans aged 55 to 74, who were tracked for more than a decade read more We've known for a while that our go-to ultra-processed foods, like fast food, sugary drinks, and instant meals, aren't exactly the best for our health. They're often linked to heart problems and metabolic issues. But now, a new study points to another worrying connection. These foods might also raise the risk of lung cancer. Published in the journal Thorax, the research found that people who ate the most ultra-processed foods had a 41 per cent higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to those who ate the least. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, what counts as ultra-processed food? And how could it be linked to cancer? Here's what we know about the new study. But first, what are ultra-processed foods? Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrially manufactured products made from a combination of refined ingredients and additives. They are designed to be hyper-palatable, convenient, and have a long shelf life. Unlike minimally processed foods, UPFs are made mostly from substances extracted from foods, such as fats, starches, added sugars, and unhealthy fats, rather than the whole food itself. They undergo extensive alterations and typically contain artificial substances like emulsifiers, preservatives, colourants, and sweeteners. As a result, UPFs tend to be calorie-dense but low in essential nutrients and fibre, making them nutritionally poor despite their appealing taste. Rows of ultraprocessed potato chips are placed at a convenience store in Boston. File image/AP In the UK and US, more than half of the average diet consists of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which include frozen meals, soft drinks, hot dogs and cold cuts, fast food, packaged cookies, cakes, and salty snacks. What does the new study reveal? The study draws data from the US Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, which followed over 100,000 Americans aged 55 to 74. Participants enrolled between 1993 and 2001, and their health was tracked for more than a decade. Out of 101,732 people who filled out food questionnaires at the start, researchers categorised their diets based on how processed the foods were, with a special focus on ultra-processed foods (UPFs) like lunch meats, soft drinks, ice cream, baked goods, instant noodles, and fast food. Researchers believe rising global consumption of UPFs could be contributing to the growing burden of diseases, such as cancer. Image for Representation. Reuters On average, people consumed nearly three servings of UPFs a day, with some having up to six. Over 12 years, 1,706 lung cancer cases were diagnosed, including both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Even after accounting for factors like smoking and diet quality, those who ate the most UPFs had a 37 per cent higher risk of NSCLC and a 44 per cent higher risk of SCLC. The researchers believe rising global consumption of UPFs could be contributing to the growing burden of diseases, such as cancer and stressed the need for more research to confirm these findings across diverse populations. 'Over the past two decades, consumption of ultra-processed foods has significantly increased worldwide, regardless of development or economic status,' the authors wrote. This rise may be driving global increases in obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, they added. How might heavily processed foods increase cancer risk? Researchers believe one reason is that ultra-processed foods often replace healthier options, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, that may help protect against cancer. When diets become dominated by UPFs, there's simply less room for the good stuff. There's also growing concern about the additives and chemicals found in these products. Ingredients like emulsifiers, preservatives, artificial colours, and acrolein (a toxic compound also found in tobacco smoke) may lead to inflammation, disrupt hormones, damage DNA, and upset the gut microbiome. The packaging materials used for many of these foods can also be a source of risk. Chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, commonly found in food containers and wrappers, may leach into the food and have been linked to health issues, the study noted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD So, what can you do? Nutritionist Rob Hobson, author of Unprocess Your Family Life, told The Independent that it's less about blaming specific foods and more about c '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 Also read: What is fibremaxxing, the new diet trend taking over social media? How safe is it? Making small, sustainable changes will help you gradually replace junk food with more nutritious, whole foods Image for Representation. Pixabay '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.' In short, cutting back on ultra-processed foods doesn't require a complete lifestyle overhaul. But being mindful of how often these foods appear on your plate, and gradually replacing them with more nutritious, whole foods, can go a long way in supporting better health. With input from agencies
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Processed Food May Raise Lung Cancer Chances—Scientists
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A new large-scale study has found that people who consume higher amounts of ultra-processed foods (UPF) face a significantly increased risk of developing lung cancer. Published in the medical journal Thorax, researchers from Chongqing University in China analyzed the dietary patterns of over 100,000 adults and found that those with the highest intake of UPF had a 41 percent greater chance of being diagnosed with the disease. Newsweek contacted the American Lung Association for comment via email on Sunday. Why It Matters Processed food has already been linked to numerous chronic health conditions, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. This new research adds lung cancer to the growing list of serious health concerns associated with the modern industrial diet. With UPF making up a substantial portion of many people's daily intake, the findings raise urgent public health questions about food quality, regulation, and long-term health outcomes. Stock image of a selection of ultra-processed-foods. Stock image of a selection of To Know The study drew on data from the U.S. Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, following more than 100,000 adults aged between 55 and 74 over a period of 12 years. Among participants, those in the highest quartile of UPF intake faced a markedly higher risk of developing lung cancer, even after researchers adjusted for smoking, socioeconomic status, and other lifestyle factors. UPF in the study included packaged snacks, instant noodles, sweetened beverages, processed meats, frozen meals, and industrial baked goods. Notably, the increased risk applied to both major forms of the disease, non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer (NSCLC and SCLC). The researchers found that even after accounting for smoking, which remains the leading cause of lung cancer, diet remained an independent risk factor. The study concluded that higher consumption of UPF is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, NSCLC, and SCLC. Although additional research in other populations and settings is warranted, these findings suggest the health benefits of limiting intake. Public health experts have long warned that UPF, while convenient and inexpensive, carry long-term health risks that are often underestimated. Critics point out that these foods are not only nutrient-poor, but often high in sugar, sodium, and additives that may interfere with normal metabolic and immune functions. BMJ Group, publisher of the British Medical Journal, noted that as this is an observational study, "no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect," with researchers unable to factor in smoking intensity, which may have been influential. "In addition, dietary information was collected only once, so couldn't account for changes over time, and the number of cancer diagnoses was small." Although the study was observational and cannot confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship, researchers said the strength of the association warrants serious attention. Some experts, however, cautioned against drawing firm conclusions from observational data alone, urging further research to explore underlying mechanisms. What People Are Saying Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at The Open University, per Science Media Center: "It's yet another of a class of studies about ultra-processed foods that, in my view, are doing nothing much to advance what is known about associations between the consumption of UPFs and human health. "I'm well aware that studies with other kinds of methodology are going on—I just wish that researchers would concentrate more on those other types of research, instead of repeatedly cranking the handle of doing studies like this one." What Happens Next The study may intensify calls for clearer food labeling, public education campaigns, and stronger policy action to reduce the dominance of UPF in the global food supply. Future studies could examine specific ingredients and production processes to determine what aspects of UPF may contribute most to cancer risk. In the meantime, health authorities are likely to renew efforts to promote diets based on minimally processed, whole foods—such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—as a way to reduce cancer and other chronic disease risks.
