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Eating more ultra-processed foods tied to increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer

A 24-year Harvard-led study found women under 50 with highest ultra-processed food intake had a 45% greater risk of colorectal polyps linked to early cancer.

  • On Thursday, the Harvard-led Nurses' Health Study II reported that eating the most ultra-processed foods is tied to increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer, suggesting lifestyle factors may explain younger cases in the United States.
  • Colorectal cancer keeps rising among younger adults, with rates exceeding genetic explanations, and ultra-processed foods—ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat, high in sugar, salt, saturated fat and additives—are under scrutiny as a risk factor.
  • In the 24-year Nurses' Health Study II cohort of almost 30,000 female participants, self-reported food questionnaires every four years found highest consumers had about 1.45-fold higher risk of colorectal polyps.
  • Health-Care systems may be asked to promote symptom vigilance and consider lowering screening from age 50, while registered dietitians and Russell de Souza advise choosing fresh, whole foods.
  • The association also aligns with modelling studies projecting young-onset colorectal cancer could double every 15 years in Canada, United States, Australia and United Kingdom, while links across heart, brain and gut diseases highlight broader risks.
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Ultra-Processed Foods Linked To Colon Cancer Risk

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In a study conducted with nearly 30,000 nurses under the age of 50, researchers from Mass General Brigham (United States) found that high consumption of ultraprocessed foods was associated with an increased risk of adenomas, colon polyps that can be precursors of colorectal cancer. Specifically, these women had an increased 45% risk of developing adenomas, which can be precursors of early-onset colorectal cancer, compared to participants who rep…

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KULR-TV broke the news in Billings, United States on Thursday, November 13, 2025.
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