Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 15: A groundbreaking study by Mass General Brigham has raised serious concerns over the impact of ultra processed foods on young adults, revealing a strong association between high consumption and an increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer.

Published in JAMA Oncology, the research analysed over two decades of data from nearly 30,000 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study II. All participants, born between 1947 and 1964, had undergone at least two lower endoscopies before turning 50 and regularly submitted detailed dietary questionnaires every four years.

According to the study, women who consumed around 10 servings of ultraprocessed foods daily faced a 45% higher risk of developing adenomas—benign but potentially precancerous growths in the colon or rectum—compared to those who consumed about three servings. These adenomas are considered early warning signs for colorectal cancer.

Ultraprocessed foods typically include ready-to-eat packaged items high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives. Senior author Dr Andrew Chan noted a “fairly linear” trend: the more ultraprocessed foods consumed, the greater the likelihood of developing colon polyps.

While previous studies have linked such foods to colorectal cancer in general, this is the first study to specifically associate them with early-onset cases, a rising concern among adults under 50. However, researchers emphasised that diet alone does not fully account for the increasing trend. Other contributors—such as genetics, metabolic disorders, and lifestyle changes—also play a significant role.

In the United States, colorectal cancer continues to be the third-most common cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with an estimated 154,000 new cases and 52,900 deaths projected in 2025.