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Cancer research

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Increased Risk of Lung Cancer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A study published in the journal Thorax found a correlation between consuming high amounts of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and an increased risk of lung cancer in adults. The research team, led by academics in China, tracked the health and food habits of over 100,000 US adults with an average age of 63 for an average of 12 years. The study revealed that individuals who consumed the highest amounts of UPFs were 41% more likely to develop lung cancer compared to those who consumed the least amount.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a link between consuming high amounts of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and an increased risk of lung cancer in adults.
  • The research team identified 1,706 cases of lung cancer among the participants after an average of 12 years.
  • The most commonly consumed UPFs were lunch meat, soft drinks, ice cream, fried foods, bread, cakes, pastries, salty snacks, breakfast cereals, instant noodles and soups, margarine, confectionery, and soft drinks.
  • The researchers found an increased risk of both non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer among participants who consumed high amounts of UPFs.
  • Adjustment was made for smoking status, but not for smoking intensity, which may impact the findings.
  • The study's authors emphasized that causality cannot be determined and the data should be interpreted with caution.

Statistics:

  • Over 100,000 US adults with an average age of 63 were tracked in the study.
  • The participants had an average UPF consumption of nearly three servings a day, ranging from 0.5 to six servings.
  • 41% increase in lung cancer risk was found among participants who consumed the highest amounts of UPFs compared to those who consumed the least.
  • 1,706 cases of lung cancer were identified among participants after an average of 12 years.
  • Adjustment was made for 4,227 participants who reported smoking.

Sources:

  • [Ella Pickover Academics have found a link between consuming high levels of ultra processed foods (UPFs) and lung cancer. (no publication date mentioned)]
  • [Thorax journal (no publication date mentioned)]
  • [University of Michigan (no publication date mentioned) - study on teenage smoking rates over 50 years in the UK]

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