Latest news with #Prostate
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists Just Found a Link Between This Popular Food and Lung Cancer
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." New research links ultra-processed foods to lung cancer. Ultra-processed foods are associated with several diseases. Doctors warn that the findings don't prove ultra-processed foods cause lung cancer. Ultra-processed foods have been linked to a slew of health conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. But new research suggests a surprising association between ultra-processed foods and lung cancer, raising all kinds of questions in the process. The study, which was published in the journal Thorax, analyzed data from nearly 102,000 people enrolled in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. The participants filled out a questionnaire on their health and diet at the start of the study, along with four questionnaires that looked at their diet from the past 24 hours during the 12-plus year study period. Using that information, the researchers put participants into four groups based on how much ultra-processed food they ate. People in the lowest group had about 0.5 servings of ultra-processed foods a day, while those in the highest group had six servings a day. Most people had about 2.8 servings of ultra-processed foods each day. (While that sounds like a lot, research suggests that about 70% of our food supply is ultra-processed.) The participants were followed for about 12.2 years and, during that time, 1,706 of them were diagnosed with lung cancer. While the overall risk of developing lung cancer was low (less than 2% across all groups), the researchers discovered that people who ate diets that were high in ultra-processed foods had a 41% higher likelihood of being diagnosed with lung cancer than those in the lowest group. Meet the experts: Nilesh Vora, M.D., is an oncologist and medical director of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, Calif.; Danxia Yu, Ph.D., epidemiologist and assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Matthew Schabath, Ph.D., an epidemiologist at Moffitt Cancer Center; Scott Keatley, R.D., is co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy; Keri Gans, R.D.N., is author of The Small Change Diet 'Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer,' the researchers wrote in the conclusion. 'Although additional research in other populations and settings is warranted, these findings suggest the healthy benefits of limiting ultra-processed foods.' While ultra-processed foods have been linked with cancer in the past, doctors say the lung cancer connection is surprising—particularly for non-smokers who developed lung cancer. Here's what could be behind it, plus what doctors and dietitians recommend taking away from these findings. What are ultra-processed foods? Before we dive into the link it's important to briefly touch on what ultra-processed foods are. The level of processing a food undergoes is classified on something called the NOVA scale. It breaks food into these four categories? Unprocessed and minimally processed foods: These foods are in their natural state or barely altered, like carrots, milk, and strawberries. Processed culinary ingredients: Foods in this category are minimally processed through steps like pressing or grinding. Those include things like olive oil and flour. Processed foods: Processed foods have been changed from their natural state, and typically include salt, oil, and sugar. Cheeses and canned fish tend to fall into this category. Ultra-processed foods: Ultra-processed foods are processed and include ingredients like artificial colors and flavors. They also typically have preservatives added for shelf stability and texture, and are usually packaged. Why are ultra-processed foods linked to lung cancer? It's important to point out that the study didn't prove that eating ultra-processed foods causes lung cancer. Instead, it found a link between people who have diets that are high in ultra-processed foods and a lung cancer diagnosis. While the researchers adjusted the data for people who were smokers—a known risk factor for lung disease—it didn't break down how much or how long people smoked, points out Nilesh Vora, M.D., an oncologist and medical director of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Medical Center in Long Beach, CA. It could simply be that people who smoke often are more likely to eat more ultra-processed foods, and that the smoking (not the food) is what raised the risk, he explains. Worth noting: People who were non-smokers who ate high levels of ultra-processed foods were also diagnosed with lung cancer in the study. Still, experts say it's possible that there is something about ultra-processed foods themselves that may raise the risk of developing lung cancer. 'Although ultra-processed foods are not—yet—classified as carcinogens, both epidemiological and laboratory data suggest they may be a potential cancer risk factor,' says Matthew Schabath, Ph.D., an epidemiologist at Moffitt Cancer Center. 'Laboratory studies have shown that components of ultra-processed foods can alter gut microbiota, increase inflammation, damage DNA, and modify gene expression, among other effects. Diets high in ultra-processed foods also promote systemic inflammation and oxidative stress—both of which contribute to cancer development.' The lack of nutrition in ultra-processed foods, contaminants from processing and packaging that may be carcinogenic, and additives that are often used with ultra-processed foods, like glutamate (an amino acid used in processed foods as a flavor enhancer) and carrageenan (an additive used to thicken and stabilize food), may also be an issue, according to Dr. Vora. The idea that packaging material and 'unregulated glutamate' may raise the risk of lung cancer is 'the most compelling' potential reason why someone may develop lung cancer from ultra-processed foods, Dr. Vora says. Many ultra-processed foods are also engineered products, points out Danxia Yu, Ph.D., epidemiologist and assistant professor of medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. 'Ultra-processed foods are essentially industrial formulations that are extensively processed to be high in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium, while low in fiber and micronutrients,' Yu says. Yu also flags the food additives, particularly emulsifiers and preservatives, as being potentially problematic, along with chemicals from food packaging. Ultra-processed foods have been shown to impact blood sugar and the gut microbiome, as well as raise chronic inflammation, which is linked with a host of serious diseases, including cancer, she points out. Still, Yu stresses that it's hard to draw too many conclusions from this study. 'Although there is biological plausibility and epidemiological evidence linking ultra-processed foods to disease risk like the results from this study, we cannot conclude that ultra-processed foods cause lung cancer,' she says. Schabath agrees. 'The study is one of the first cohort studies to identify an association between ultra-processed food consumption and lung cancer risk,' he says. 'That said, the limited evidence doesn't mean there's no association—just that more research is needed.' How to cut back on ultra-processed foods While doctors stress that the link between ultra-processed foods and lung cancer is still being explored, a growing body of research suggests that it's still best to limit how much of this food category you eat. If you're interested in eating fewer ultra-processed foods, it's helpful to focus on more nutrient-dense foods first, says Scott Keatley, R.D., co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. 'Ultra-processed foods become a problem when they displace the fiber, protein, and micronutrients our bodies need to regulate inflammation and repair cells,' he says. 'It's not about swearing off convenience, it's about making room for foods that do more for you.' To start, it's best to build your meals around whole ingredients like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, and lean proteins, says Keri Gans, R.D.N., author of The Small Change Diet. 'When those take center stage, there's naturally less room for ultra-processed choices,' she says. Gans also recommends stocking your kitchen with convenient foods that aren't ultra-processed, like canned tomatoes, beans, oats, frozen vegetables, and brown rice. 'These staples make it easier to prepare quick, balanced meals,' she says. Keatley points out that there are still plenty of shelf-stable and time-saving foods that support health but aren't ultra-processed, like frozen vegetables, canned salmon, or unsweetened Greek yogurt. 'The goal isn't to demonize processing, but to prioritize nutrition density and limit the additives that may interfere with how our cells function,' Keatley says. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50 Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
THIS common diet can increase the risk of lung cancer
W Tired of too many ads? go ad free now hat you eat really matters. While some foods can act as medicine and boost your health, others can cause irreversible damage. Certain foods have also been linked to cancer risks. A new study found that a certain diet may significantly increase the risk of lung cancer. According to a new study published in the journal , a certain diet can increase the risk of lung cancer by about 41%. Diet and lung cancer In 2022, 2.48 million new cases were reported, with 1.8 million deaths, and it was the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. While certain lifestyle factors influence the risk of lung cancer, diet has a major role. The new study has found that a higher intake of ultra-processed foods (UPF) may significantly increase the risk of lung cancer. Though further studies are required to confirm the association, the experts have suggested reducing the intake of UPFs to lessen the global burden of lung cancer. Ultra-processed foods are linked with many chronic illnesses. These foods undergo multiple industrial processing steps, are loaded with additives, and are typically ready-to-eat or heat. To understand the link between UPFs and lung cancer, the researchers analyzed data from the US based Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening , which involved over 155,000 participants between the ages of 55 and 74. Of those, 101,732 people completed dietary questionnaires and were included in the study. Based on their dietary habits, they were categorised as: unprocessed or minimally processed; containing processed culinary ingredients; processed; and ultra-processed. The researchers focused in particular on UPF 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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The findings (Pic courtesy: iStock) The average daily UPF intake was nearly three servings per person. These were lunch meats (11%), diet or caffeinated soft drinks (just over 7%), and decaffeinated soft drinks (nearly 7%). Over an average follow-up period of 12 years, 1,706 new cases of were diagnosed, including 1,473 cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 233 cases of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). The researchers found that people who consumed the most UPFs reported a higher number of cases, and less in those who consumed less UPFs (495/25,434 vs 331/25,433). People who consumed more UPFs were 41% more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer than those in the lowest quarter. They were 37% more likely to be diagnosed with NSCLC and 44% more likely to be diagnosed with SCLC. 'Worse still, over the past two decades, the consumption of UPF has significantly increased worldwide, regardless of development or economic status. 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 said. Top foods to prevent lung cancer 'Industrial processing alters the food matrix, affecting nutrient availability and absorption, while also generating harmful contaminants,' they add, 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. These findings need to be confirmed by other large-scale longitudinal studies in different populations and settings. If causality is established, limiting trends of UPF intake globally could contribute to reducing the burden of lung cancer,' they added.
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Cancer-hit ex-Sky News star Dermot Murnaghan reveals how he ‘fell through gaps' before stage 4 diagnosis
NEWS presenter Dermot Murnaghan has said his diagnosis of stage four cancer came after he 'fell through the gaps'. The 67-year-old told an event for Prostate Cancer UK he had been getting tested every year or so. Advertisement 5 News presenter Dermot Murnaghan had been getting tested every year or so Credit: Getty 5 Dermot has been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer Credit: Sky News 5 Dermot and Natasha Kaplinsky on the BBC Breakfast set Credit: Getty He said: 'For years I thought, 'That'll do me'. 'It never occurred to me they weren't testing for PSA (prostate-specific antigen). 'I never went to my GP because I was getting tests privately. 'That's how I fell through the gaps and that's how I had a massive wake-up call.' Advertisement Read more on Dermot Murnaghan The ex-Sky News host revealed in June he had He told the event: 'You can get to the stage I have with no symptoms. 'Get the (PSA) test. 'You can insist if you're in a high-risk group and under 50. Advertisement Most read in Health 'If not, still get tested at 50.' How to check your prostate cancer risk Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer Symptoms usually only appear once the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra). The NHS says there are seven symptoms of the disease - many of which could be overlooked: Needing to rush to the toilet Difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy) Straining or taking a long time while peeing Weak flow Feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully It's important to note these symptoms don't always mean you have prostate cancer. Many men's prostates get larger as they get older because of a non-cancerous condition called But with prostate cancer being one of the most common cancers in the UK, if you experience these symptoms you should see your GP. In recent months, several celebrities have publicly revealed their diagnoses of prostate cancer, including six-time Olympic champion When The He's now 5 The late Queen seen visiting Dermot at the studio Credit: Getty 5 Suzi Perry and Dermot Murnaghan Credit: Getty
Sinar Daily
21-06-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Is vitamin D deficiency linked to cancer? Here's what an oncologist wants you to know
VITAMIN D is commonly known for its role in maintaining healthy bones, but questions have arisen about whether a deficiency in this essential nutrient could also increase the risk of developing serious diseases like cancer. Health professionals and researchers have long explored the broader impact of vitamin D on the body, with some attention now turning towards its potential link to cancer risk. Although online discussions on the topic are growing, the scientific community remains cautious in interpreting the data. So, what does the current research actually say? According to a health portal referencing the National Cancer Institute, possible links between vitamin D levels and cancer mortality have generally been studied across all types of cancer combined. Most meta-analyses of observational studies found that lower serum vitamin D levels were associated with higher overall cancer mortality. One such analysis of 12 cohort studies reported a 14 per cent increase in cancer-related deaths among individuals with the lowest levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, compared to those with the highest levels. Similarly, another study involving around 4,000 cancer cases from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial revealed a 17 per cent reduction in cancer mortality among participants with the highest vitamin D levels. Various studies also indicated an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and several types of cancer, including prostate, multiple myeloma, colorectal, and breast cancer. However, expert warned that these findings did not amount to definitive proof, as the studies were largely observational and could not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. As such, many concluded that more high-quality, long-term research was necessary to fully understand the complex role vitamin D might play in cancer development. The more pressing question, however, is whether vitamin D is essential to the body in the first place. The Mayo Clinic stated that vitamin D is indeed a vital nutrient required for calcium absorption and bone health. It noted that calcium, a major component of bones, cannot be effectively absorbed without adequate vitamin D levels. In addition to its bone-related functions, vitamin D also supported immune health and played a role in muscle and brain cell function. But was it a miracle solution against cancer? Expert said no at least not yet, and cautioned against drawing premature conclusions without stronger scientific evidence. Hospital Picaso, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Dr Mastura Md Yusof Hospital Picaso, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Dr Mastura Md Yusof stressed that there was currently no solid evidence to confirm a clear link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of cancer. "The current understanding is that there is still insufficient evidence to show a clear correlation between vitamin D levels and certain cancers. 'Researchers say further studies are needed, that's usually the conclusion when you read about it, because the evidence remains inconclusive,' she said when met here at Hospital Picaso at Petaling Jaya. Dr Mastura stated that much of the existing research remained small-scale and retrospective, and despite its popularity online, the topic lacked definitive scientific backing. She emphasised that most studies ended with the conclusion that further research was needed, a clear sign that the evidence was not yet strong enough to confirm a direct connection. She pointed out that no large, well-designed prospective studies had been conducted to follow individuals over time to assess whether their vitamin D intake or blood levels influenced their likelihood of developing cancer. She said that such studies involving thousands of participants and rigorous monitoring were necessary to produce what the medical community referred to as 'Level One' evidence. Without this level of proof, no major global health authorities such as the FDA, EMA, or WHO had made formal recommendations regarding vitamin D and cancer prevention. Vitamin D is indeed a vital nutrient required for calcium absorption and bone health. - CANVA Dr Mastura stressed that most studies currently available online were either retrospective or based on smaller sample sizes, and did not meet the criteria for high-impact, peer-reviewed clinical guidance. "So whatever is available out there, especially on the internet, isn't really this type of study, most of them are either mouse studies or retrospective studies," she added. However, Dr Mastura highlighted promising results for a specific group, in which breast cancer survivors. She referred to a study presented in December at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, which found that women who had completed treatment for stage one to stage three breast cancer and were taking calcium with vitamin D during their follow-up showed improved outcomes and reduced risk of cancer recurrence. She clarified that the study applied only to breast cancer survivors who were no longer in advanced stages of the disease. In these cases, oncologists could consider recommending calcium and vitamin D supplementation based on the available data. However, she said she would not advise the same approach for patients with colorectal or other types of cancer, as the findings did not extend to those groups. While vitamin D plays a crucial role in overall health, current evidence does not support a direct link between its deficiency and cancer development. Observational studies have shown some associations, but no conclusive proof. For now, experts urge caution and call for further research before making definitive recommendations.
Wales Online
10-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Gladiator Giant says prostate cancer blood test could save lives
Gladiator Giant says prostate cancer blood test could save lives Known as Giant on the hit BBC show, the bodybuilder has been raising money for Prostate Cancer UK and took part in The Big Golf Race Giant (Image: BBC ) Gladiators star Jamie Christian has said there are no "warning signs" for prostate cancer and has urged men to take a blood test that "could save their life" if diagnosed early. Known as Giant on the hit BBC show, the bodybuilder has been raising money for Prostate Cancer UK and took part in The Big Golf Race where he played 72 holes of golf and walked more than 26 miles in a single day, completing the challenge in just under 15 hours. This comes after his uncle, Colin Tomlinson, was diagnosed and later recovered from prostate cancer eight years ago. Speaking during Men's Health Week, which runs from June 9-15, he said: "That was just a true example of it can happen to anyone, no matter how fit or healthy you are there are no warning signs for this. "If people aren't getting the necessary checks, then it could be too late." Around one in eight men in the UK will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to Prostate Cancer UK. Article continues below It occurs when cells in the prostate start to grow in an uncontrolled way with the risk of spreading if not detected early. One cancer screening is a PSA blood test which checks the level of prostate specific antigens in the blood and, if high, may be a sign of a prostate condition, according to the NHS website. He said: "By doing a simple blood test, by going to your GP and having a simple blood test to check your PSA levels, that's like the first step, and it's something really, really easy. "It could save their life. "I think men, being men, we're very private individuals especially with certain body parts. So I think the stigma attached to prostate cancer is that men have to go to the doctors and have the prostate exam with the finger up the bum, without being too graphic. I think that puts a lot of people off. "Having the knowledge of a simple blood test will give you all you need to know that is far, far more beneficial than surely finding out one day that you might have cancer." Because prostate cancer often does not have any symptoms, it is important to get checked especially for men over the age of 50, black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer who are at higher risk. Christian added: "It's much more powerful to prevent something than to have to cure it, because the cure isn't something that we can have full control over, but prevention-wise, that is in our control to go and get the necessary checks to look after our lifestyle, our diets, our activities, shall we say. "When you put it like that, a few minutes of your day, why would you not go and do it? Peace of mind." The Big Golf Race is the biggest golf fundraising challenge in the UK which encourages participants to choose from the Half Marathon (36 holes and approximately 13 miles of walking), the Marathon (72 holes and over 26 miles), or the Ultra Marathon (100 holes in one day and 35 miles) to raise money and awareness for the charity. Speaking about the sport Christian added: "(The golf course) is a great place where men can be in a safe space and talk to one another. And these conversations on a golf course are private and respected. "I think the more people that come on board, the more people that listen, more people that talk, more people that go out and play a game of golf and have those conversations with each other, the better. Article continues below "And hopefully, the rates of the actual deaths from prostate cancer will start to fall." Christian is best known as Giant on the sports and entertainment show Gladiators which sees professional athletes take on contestants as they try to complete physical challenges. Prior to being a Gladiator, he was the tallest professional bodybuilder in the world at six feet five and consumed up to 10,000 calories a day. He has since reduced his intake to around 5,000 calories.
