Study Links Ultra-Processed Foods to Rising Colon Cancer Risks in Younger Adults
A growing number of adults under 50 are being diagnosed with colon cancer, and a new set of studies is shedding light on what might be contributing to this troubling trend. Research from the Massachusetts General Brigham Cancer Institute suggests that diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) may significantly increase the risk of developing intestinal polyps abnormal growths in the colon that can eventually lead to cancer.
What the Research Found
The study tracked the health and dietary habits of more than 29,000 female nurses over a period of 13 years as part of the long-running Nurses’ Health Study II. The results were striking:
women who consumed the most ultra-processed food roughly 10 servings per day were 45% more likely to develop early-onset conventional adenomas (a common type of precancerous polyp) before the age of 50, compared to those who ate far fewer UPFs.
Although the study stops short of proving cause and effect, researchers say the findings offer strong evidence of a meaningful association.
What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?
Ultra-processed foods are products that undergo multiple stages of industrial processing and often contain high levels of:
• Salt
• Sugar
• Unhealthy fats
• Artificial additives
• Preservatives
• Flavor enhancers
They are usually low in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients that support gut health.
Common examples include:
• White bread and packaged bakery items
• Fast food
• Sweets, candies, cakes
• Sugary breakfast cereals
• Instant noodles
• Chicken and fish nuggets
• Sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages
These foods make up nearly 70% of the U.S. food supply and around 60% of the average American adult’s daily calorie intake, a trend that mirrors rising colon cancer rates among younger adults.
Why These Findings Matter
Dr. Andrew Chan, the study’s lead author, said researchers wanted to understand why colon cancer cases are rising among people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. While most polyps do not become cancerous, nearly all colon cancers begin as these early growths.
The study also found:
• The average age at which polyps were detected has dropped to about 45 years.
• Ultra-processed food consumption is linked to metabolic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, which increase cancer risk.
• UPFs may promote chronic inflammation or disrupt gut microbes and the integrity of the intestinal lining both possible pathways to cancer-causing changes.
Symptoms to Watch For
Many polyps are harmless at first and may not cause any symptoms. However, as they grow, they can lead to:
• Blood in the stool
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Unexplained anemia
• Unexpected weight loss
• Persistent constipation
Doctors recommend colon cancer screening beginning at age 45, or even earlier for individuals with a family history of the disease.
Limitations of the Study
Like most nutrition research, this study relies on participants recalling what they ate a method not always fully accurate. In addition, categorizing which foods qualify as “ultra-processed” remains an evolving science. Researchers also note that this study did not directly measure cancer itself, only the presence of precancerous growths.
Still, experts believe the findings are an important step toward understanding the broader picture of diet-related cancer risks.
What Health Experts Recommend
Nutrition and cancer specialists say the research reinforces a message that has been consistent for years:
a diet built around whole, minimally processed foods is the best approach for long-term health.
Recommended foods include:
• Vegetables and fruits
• Whole grains
• Nuts and seeds
• Beans and legumes
• Clean sources of protein
• Water instead of sugary drinks
Ultra-processed foods, they say, should be minimized whenever possible.
A Rising Global Concern
Countries around the world especially the United States are seeing a sharp increase in colorectal cancers in young adults. While genetics play a role, lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and body weight appear to be major drivers.
The findings published in JAMA Oncology add to a growing body of research indicating that what people eat early in life may influence their cancer risk decades later.
The Bottom Line
The new research does not claim that consuming ultra-processed foods will inevitably cause cancer. However, it does reveal a concerning connection:
the more UPFs a person eats, the higher their risk of developing early precancerous polyps.
As scientists continue to explore the links between diet and colon cancer, the message for the public remains clear choosing whole, nutrient-dense foods may be one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect long-term health.
Write By: Abiha Bilal
