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Junk Food Linked to Bowel Cancer Risk in Young Women
13 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Charity-funded study finds junk food raises polyp risk in women under 50
- 45% higher polyp risk for those eating 10 vs 3 servings of ultra-processed foods per day
- Bowel cancer rates rising faster in 24-49 age group than any other
According to a study published on 2025-11-13, women under the age of 50 who consume large amounts of junk food may face an increased risk of developing bowel polyps, which can potentially lead to cancer. The research was funded by the Bowelbabe charity, set up by the late Sun columnist Dame Deborah James.
The study, which analyzed 24 years of medical records from 29,000 women, found that those who ate 10 servings of ultra-processed foods per day had a 45% higher chance of developing polyps compared to those who consumed just 3 servings. Ultra-processed foods, such as biscuits, crisps, and ready meals, are often high in salt, sugar, and other potentially harmful chemicals.
Experts say this finding could help explain the worrying trend of rising bowel cancer rates among younger adults. Cancer Research UK has reported a 24% increase in bowel cancer cases among 24 to 49-year-olds since 1995, with the disease on the rise in under-50s in 27 out of 50 countries studied.
While polyps are often harmless, an estimated one in ten can develop into cancer. The new research suggests that cutting back on junk food may help reduce the risk of these precancerous growths in younger women, potentially curbing the increase in bowel cancer cases in this age group.
