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.

While the study does not directly measure cancer risk, experts say it offers valuable clues on how our diets, shaped by factors like food prices and marketing, can impact bowel health. They emphasize the need for broader changes, from food policy to public health initiatives, to make healthier eating more accessible for everyone.