What is the link between ultra-processed foods and lung cancer?

According to the study, people who consumed the highest amounts of ultra-processed foods, such as ice cream, fried foods, and soft drinks, were 41% more likely to develop lung cancer compared to those who consumed the least.

What other factors did the researchers consider in their findings?

The researchers acknowledged that they did not fully account for the impact of smoking intensity, which is a known risk factor for lung cancer. They stressed that further research in other populations is needed to establish a direct causal relationship between ultra-processed foods and lung cancer.

Home / Health / Landmark Study Links Ultra-Processed Foods to Increased Lung Cancer Risk

Landmark Study Links Ultra-Processed Foods to Increased Lung Cancer Risk

Q: How long did the researchers track the participants in the study?

The researchers tracked the health and dietary habits of more than 100,000 US adults for an average of 12 years.

29 Jul

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Summary

Researchers tracked health and diet of over 100,000 US adults for 12 years
Highest UPF consumers had 41% higher risk of developing lung cancer
Limiting global UPF intake could help reduce lung cancer burden

Landmark Study Links Ultra-Processed Foods to Increased Lung Cancer Risk

In a groundbreaking study, researchers have uncovered a concerning link between consuming high levels of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and an increased risk of lung cancer. The international team tracked the health and dietary habits of more than 100,000 US adults, with an average age of 63, over a 12-year period.

During this time, the researchers identified 1,706 cases of lung cancer among the participants. They found that those who consumed the highest amounts of UPFs, such as ice cream, fried foods, and soft drinks, were 41% more likely to develop lung cancer compared to those who consumed the least.

The researchers stressed that while their findings suggest the potential health benefits of limiting UPF intake, further research in other populations is needed to establish a direct causal relationship. They noted that their study did not fully account for the impact of smoking intensity, which is a known risk factor for lung cancer.

Nevertheless, the researchers believe that reducing global trends in UPF consumption could contribute to a significant reduction in the burden of lung cancer. As a separate study has shown, teenage smoking rates have dropped dramatically in the UK over the past 50 years, but the rise of vaping has raised concerns about a potential resurgence in nicotine use among young people.

Overall, these findings underscore the importance of promoting healthier eating habits and addressing the growing prevalence of ultra-processed foods in our diets, as part of a comprehensive approach to reducing the risk of lung cancer and other chronic diseases.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.