Researchers from Imperial College London’s School of Public Health assessed the diets of about 200,000 middle-aged adults in the UK over a decade, found “High consumption of ultra-processed foods increases the risk of cancer overall, especially ovarian and brain cancer.”
They also found that it was associated with an increased risk of dying from cancer.
Peer-reviewed study, The study, published Tuesday in The Lancet’s eClinicalMedicine journal, was a collaboration with researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the University of São Paulo and NOVA University of Lisbon.
Of the 197,426, approximately 15,921 developed cancer and 4,009 had cancer-related deaths.
Imperial College London said, “For every 10% increase in ultra-processed foods in the diet, there was a 2% increase in the incidence of cancer overall, and a 19% increase in the incidence of ovarian cancer in particular.” in a statementThese links remained after adjusting for socioeconomic factors such as smoking, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI).
The reasons for the particularly high incidence of ovarian cancer are unknown, but research found a link between this disease and acrylamide.
“Potentially carcinogenic substances, such as controversial food additives and chemicals created during processing, interfere with the effects of hormones and contribute to hormone-related cancers such as ovarian cancer. It’s possible,” Ezter Vamos, the lead senior author of the study, told The Washington. Posted by email on Wednesday.
Further research is needed to determine the effects on women. ChildrenThe latter tend to be “the main consumers of ultra-processed foods,” she said.
According to the American Cancer Society, Ovarian cancer ranked 5th It accounts for more deaths from cancer in women in the United States than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The cancer affects mostly older women and is more common in white women than in black women, the report said.
almost 60 percent Ultra-processed foods, which often lack nutritional value, account for 25-50% of the calories consumed by adults in the United States. England, Canada, France, Lebanon When Japan.
Observational studies “cannot prove cause and effect,” notes Vamos, and show only links between food and increased cancer risk. claims to emphasize the importance of considering food processing in the diet.
“Ultra-processed foods are ubiquitous and highly marketed at cheap prices and attractive packaging to encourage consumption,” study author Kiara Chan said in a statement. It shows that we urgently need to reform our food environment to protect it.”
Chan said improving food labeling and packaging to highlight consumer choice risks and ensure freshly prepared food is readily available and a “nutritious and affordable option.” I asked for a subsidy for
Other studies have linked ultra-processed foods with obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and colon cancerMore recent research 22,000 people People who ate a lot of ultra-processed foods were 19% more likely to die early and had a 32% higher risk of dying from heart disease than those who ate very little ultra-processed food.
“Ultra-processed foods are on the rise globally, and these products are increasingly replacing traditional foods in our diets,” said Vamos. “In general, high-income countries have the highest consumption levels, with the US and UK leading the way.”
brazil is forbidden marketing ultra-processed foods in schools, France When Canada promotes the restriction of such foods in national dietary guidelines.
Panagiota Mitrou, director of research and innovation at the World Cancer Research Fund, which helped fund the study, said in an email Wednesday that the findings were “significant” and recommended that fast food consumption be limited. He said it should encourage people. starch or sugar. ”
“I also recommend making whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes a major part of your regular diet for maximum benefit,” she added.
Anahad O’Connor contributed to this report.
