Study Links 10% Ultra-Processed Food Swap to 2% Lower Bowel Cancer Risk
Updated
Updated · The Conversation · Oct 15
Study Links 10% Ultra-Processed Food Swap to 2% Lower Bowel Cancer Risk
3 articles · Updated · The Conversation · Oct 15
Summary
More than 460,000 US adults tracked for over 20 years showed a 10% replacement of ultra-processed foods with minimally processed foods was linked to 2% lower bowel cancer incidence.
More than 10,000 bowel cancer cases were recorded, but the analysis found no overall association between total ultra-processed food intake and bowel cancer risk.
Ultra-processed meat products such as hotdogs were tied to higher incidence, while breakfast cereals, breads, frozen desserts and milk products including fruit yoghurts were linked to lower incidence.
The researchers say the findings suggest food composition matters more than the ultra-processed label alone, supporting advice to eat more wholegrains and fibre while limiting red and processed meat.
The study was observational and based on dietary questionnaires, so it shows associations rather than proving cause and effect.