"Eating highly-processed foods may lead to lung cancer"

A new study led by Dr. Benjamin Allès has shed light on a potential link between ultraprocessed foods and the risk of lung cancer. The research, based on American screening trials for prostate, lung, colorectal, and ovarian cancer, involving 155,000 people, has highlighted some concerning findings.

The study focused on a variety of ultraprocessed foods, including sour cream, fresh cheese, ice cream, fried foods, bread, salty snacks, breakfast cereals, instant noodles, store-bought soups and sauces, and pizza. The three most consumed types of these foods were deli meats, low-calorie or caffeinated soft drinks, and decaffeinated soft drinks.

On average, participants consumed almost 3 servings of processed foods per day. This high intake of processed food excludes healthy foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which protect against cancer. Moreover, a higher intake of these foods is related to a higher risk of lung cancer.

Industrial processing of food alters the matrix of foods, affecting the availability and absorption of nutrients, while generating harmful contaminants. One such contaminant is Acrolein, a toxic component also generated when tobacco is burned.

Ultra-processed foods usually contain excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and fat. Their low nutritional value is further emphasised in the study, which found that participants in the highest percentile of consumption of processed foods had a 41% higher probability of being diagnosed with lung cancer than those in the lowest percentile.

The study also highlights the potential impact of limiting the intake of processed foods worldwide. It suggests that such a move could potentially reduce the incidence of lung cancer. Furthermore, ultraprocessed foods have been linked to an increased risk of obesity, a condition that increases the likelihood of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and some types of cancer.

In the last two decades, consumption of these foods has significantly increased worldwide. The number of cancer diagnoses may not be sufficient to definitively prove a causal relationship, but the study serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with a diet high in ultraprocessed foods. It underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods to promote overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.