Eating ultra-processed foods such as bulk bread, cereal, ham, fries and ice cream may increase your risk of cancer, a study finds.
According to a study by Imperial College London, those who ate the most processed foods had the highest risk of developing all types of cancer.
They were also more likely to die from cancer if they got it, with breast and ovarian cancer being up to a third (30 per cent) deadlier.
Experts believe chemicals, dyes, sweeteners and preservatives to extend shelf life can increase risk, while the link between obesity and cancer is already well established.
Nutritionists divide foods into three groups based on the amount of processing they have undergone. Minimally processed foods such as apples are usually exactly as they occur in nature. Processed foods such as applesauce have undergone at least one processing stage that has changed their original form. In contrast, ultra-processed foods like apple gummies have gone through multiple stages of processing and are usually loaded with added fats, colors and preservatives.
Although not yet proven with observational data, they urged people to cut back now or risk “serious health problems in the future” and called for warnings to be placed on packaging.
Brits lead Europe when it comes to ultra-processed foods, with the average adult consuming half their daily calories from these foods – and 65 per cent for children.
READ MORE: What even are ultra-processed foods? As another study warns of their dangers, MailOnline’s guide will help you tell them apart
The study, funded by Cancer Research UK and the World Cancer Research Fund, used UK Biobank data to examine the diets of 197,426 people aged 40 to 69, who tracked their health over a decade.
They measured the amount consumed in both grams and calories and found that those who ate the most had a higher risk of developing cancer, particularly ovarian cancer.
The researchers found that for every 10 percent increase in ultra-processed foods in a person’s diet, there was a 2 percent increased risk of cancer in general and a 19 percent increased risk of ovarian cancer specifically.
The study showed that cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, liver, lung, kidney and thyroid all increased.
Each 10 percent increase was also associated with a 6 percent increased risk of dying from cancer, a 16 percent increased risk of breast cancer, and a 30 percent increased risk of ovarian cancer.
These connections held up even after accounting for factors that could alter the results, such as exercise, body mass index (BMI) and deprivation, according to results published in eClinicalMedicine.
Those who ate the most — accounting for 41 percent of their food intake by weight and more than half of their daily calories — had a seven percent greater risk of cancer overall than those who ate the least.
DR Kiara Chang from Imperial College London said the industry had flourished for the past 50 years but regulation had not kept pace.
She said: “The average person in the UK gets more than half of their daily energy intake from ultra-processed foods.
“This is unusually high and alarming given that highly processed foods are made with industrially derived ingredients and often use food additives to change color, taste, texture, texture or extend shelf life.
“Our bodies may not respond to these ultra-processed ingredients and additives in the same way that they do to fresh and nutritious, minimally processed foods.”
Bulk shop breads, ready meals, various breakfast cereals, reconstituted meat products such as ham, sweets and store-bought biscuits, rolls and cakes are some of the most ultra-processed foods consumed in the UK.
Young people and those with low incomes are particularly at risk, she warned, as low prices and aggressive marketing make them particularly attractive.
The shift to convenience foods means that people are less careful about what they eat, as food is typically high in fat, salt and sugar, and chemicals, dyes, sweeteners and preservatives are added to extend shelf life.
She added: “This shows that our food environment urgently needs to be reformed to protect the population from ultra-processed food.
“We need clear front-of-pack warnings for ultra-processed foods to help consumers make choices, and our sugar tax should be extended to include ultra-processed fizzy drinks, fruit and dairy-based drinks and other ultra-processed beverages to include -processed liquor.’ products.’
Previous studies have suggested a link between ultra-processed foods and heart disease, as well as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The authors said that while the study cannot prove causation, other available evidence shows that reducing ultra-processed foods in our diet can provide important health benefits.
Dr Panagiota Mitrou, Director of Research and Innovation at the World Cancer Research Fund, said: “The results of this first UK study of its kind are significant as they represent the most comprehensive assessment of highly processed foods and cancer risk.
“This adds to the growing evidence that these foods are linked to cancer and other health problems.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: “Diets high in processed foods are often high in calories, salt, saturated fat and sugar and low in fibre, which are linked to an increased risk of developing chronic diseases , including some cancers, so we encourage everyone to stick to a healthy, balanced diet, in line with the UK model of healthy eating, the Eatwell guide.
“The NHS Food Scanner app also helps families see what’s in their food and drink and offers a range of products that can help them reduce sugar, saturated fat and salt.”
WHAT SHOULD A BALANCED DIET LOOK LIKE?
Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally whole grains, according to the NHS
• Eat at least 5 portions of different fruits and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruits and vegetables count
• Alkaline meals based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole grains
• 30 grams of fiber per day: This is equivalent to eating all of the following: 5 servings of fruit and vegetables, 2 whole grain granola crackers, 2 thick slices of whole grain bread, and 1 large baked potato with skin on
• Offer dairy products or milk alternatives (eg soy drinks) and choose lower-fat, lower-sugar options
• Eat beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish per week, one of which is fatty)
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consume them in small amounts
• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water daily
• Adults should consume less than 6g of salt and 20g of saturated fat for women or 30g for men per day
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
