Khaberni - A recent study found that regularly consuming ultra-processed foods increases the likelihood of women under the age of fifty developing colon polyps, which are changes considered early indicators of the risk of bowel cancer development.
The study comes amid a steady rise in colon cancer cases among younger demographics globally, which prompts researchers to search for environmental and dietary factors that might explain this unusual trend.
Study Details and Methodology
A team of cancer experts in the PROSPECT project (funded by the Cancer Grand Challenges initiative) analyzed colonoscopy results for more than 29,000 women aged between 25 and 42 years, as part of the second Nurses' Health Study.
The researchers collected health and dietary data over many years through periodic questionnaires that began in the late 1980s. Women who had a prior history of colon polyps, irritable bowel syndrome, or cancer were excluded.
The study relied on the NOVA classification system to measure the amount of food consumed, distinguishing between unprocessed, processed, and ultra-processed foods.
Study Results
The results showed that the women who consumed ultra-processed foods most frequently had a 45% higher risk of developing colon or rectal polyps compared to others.
During the 24-year follow-up, the study recorded more than 1189 early tumors and 1598 serrated lesions, both of which are early warning signs of the potential development of colon cancer.
The results also indicated a strong association between the consumption of artificially sweetened beverages, flavor enhancers, and various food additives and an increased risk.
Dr. Andrew Chan, the lead author of the study and an epidemiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, said: "We are witnessing a concerning rise in bowel cancer among young people, and diet, the gut microbiome, and physical inactivity may be part of the explanation for this trend."
Researchers confirmed that the joint exposure to many food additives could weaken the intestinal barrier and affect the balance of beneficial bacteria, leading to changes that may pave the way for the growth of polyps.
Advice and Warnings
Symptoms that require a doctor's visit include:
Persistent changes in bowel movements.
Chronic diarrhea or constipation.
The appearance of blood in the stool.
Pain or bloating in the abdomen.
Unexplained weight loss and continuous fatigue.
The study results were published in JAMA Oncology.
