LONDON – Highly processed foods such as breakfast cereals, frozen pizza, ready-to-eat meals and fizzy drinks may increase your risk of cancer – especially ovarian or brain cancer, researchers say.
Researchers at Imperial College London’s School of Public Health assessed the diets of nearly 200,000 middle-aged adults in the UK and found “High consumption of highly processed foods is associated with a higher risk of cancer in general, and of the uterus and brain in particular.
It was also associated with an increased risk of dying from cancer.
Peer-reviewed study, It was published in the Lancet Clinical Medicine journal on Tuesday in collaboration with researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the University of São Paulo and the Nova University of Lisbon.
Out of 197,426 people, 15,921 people developed cancer and 4,009 people died from cancer.
“For every 10 percent of ultra-processed foods in a person’s diet, there is a 2 percent increase in cancer overall, and a 19 percent increase in ovarian cancer in particular,” Imperial College London said. In the statement. These links remained after adjustment for socio-economic factors such as smoking, physical activity and body mass index (BMI).
It’s not clear why the incidence of advanced ovarian cancer is particularly high — but they are distinct. Research He found a link between the disease and acrylamide, an industrial chemical created during high-temperature cooking.
“Some of the controversial food additives and chemical agents produced during the process interfere with hormone effects and affect hormone-related cancers such as ovarian cancer,” senior author of the study Esther Vamos told The Washington Post. Post by email on Wednesday.
More studies are needed to determine the effect on women ChildrenThe latter tend to be “consumers of highly processed foods,” she says.
According to the American Cancer Society Ovarian cancer ranks fifth. Cancer deaths in women in the United States – account for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. The cancer occurs primarily in older women and is more common in white than black women, he said.
About 60 percent Most of the calories adults in the United States eat come from processed foods, which often have poor nutritional value. In many other countries, they account for 25 to 50 percent of the calories consumed, incl England, Canada, France, Lebanon And Japan.
The observational study “can’t really prove cause and effect,” Vamos said, only showing a link between food and cancer risk. However, the study is disputed, but the findings show the importance of considering food processors in the diet.
“Ultra-processed foods are ubiquitous and marketed at low prices and attractive packaging,” study author Kiara Chang said in a statement. This shows that our food environment is in urgent need of reform to protect the population.
Chang called for subsidies to make choices clear to consumers and provide “nutritious and affordable alternatives” to packaging and packaging of food, as well as to keep access to freshly prepared foods.
Other studies have shown a link between ultra-processed foods and obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Colon cancer. A recent study above 22,000 people People who ate the most processed foods were 19 percent more likely to die early and 32 percent more likely to die from heart disease, compared to people who ate the least amount of highly processed foods.
“There is a worldwide increase in highly processed foods, and these products are replacing traditional foods in the diet,” Vamos said. “In general, high-income countries have the highest levels of consumption, and the US and UK lead the way in terms of consumers.”
There is Brazil. It is forbidden While marketing highly processed foods in schools France And Canada They have pushed to limit such foods in their national dietary guidelines.
Panajota Mitrou, director of research and innovation at the World Cancer Research Fund, which funded the study, said in an email Wednesday that the findings are “significant” and should encourage people to limit their consumption of fast food and “other foods high in fat.” starches or sugars”
“For maximum benefit, we also recommend making whole grains, vegetables, fruits and legumes a regular part of your diet,” she adds.
Anahad O’Connor contributed to this report.