What types of foods are considered ultra-processed?

Ultra-processed foods include processed sauces, crisps, processed meats, and many ready-made meals.

How does the consumption of ultra-processed foods affect women's health?

According to the study, women who eat large amounts of ultra-processed foods have a 45% higher likelihood of developing precancerous growths in their bowels, which can potentially turn into cancer over time.

Why are researchers concerned about the rise in bowel cancer cases among younger adults?

The study notes that bowel cancer incidence rates among people aged 25-49 have increased by 62% since the early 1990s, and researchers are trying to understand the underlying factors, including diet, lack of exercise, and gut microbiome disruption.

Home / Health / Processed Foods Tied to Precancerous Growths in Women

Processed Foods Tied to Precancerous Growths in Women

13 Nov

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Summary

Women who eat more ultra-processed foods have 45% higher risk of precancerous bowel growths
Bowel cancer cases among younger adults have risen 62% since the 1990s
Typical ultra-processed diet includes cereals, sandwiches, crisps, and frozen meals

Processed Foods Tied to Precancerous Growths in Women

According to a study published on November 13, 2025, women who eat large amounts of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are at a significantly higher risk of developing precancerous growths in their bowels. The research, conducted by experts from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, monitored over 29,000 women for nearly 25 years.

The findings show women who regularly consumed UPFs like processed sauces, crisps, processed meats, and ready meals had a 45% greater likelihood of developing a type of polyp called an adenoma, which can potentially turn cancerous over time. Those who ate the highest proportion of UPFs consumed around 9.9 portions per day, compared to just 3.3 servings for those with the lowest UPF intake.

Researchers say this new data provides important insights into how diet may influence early changes in the bowel that can lead to cancer. They note the alarming rise in bowel cancer cases among younger adults, with incidence rates increasing by 62% since the early 1990s. The team is now exploring other potential factors, such as lack of exercise and gut microbiome disruption, that could contribute to this troubling trend.