Increased Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods Associated with Higher Lung Cancer Risk

Recent research published in the journal Thorax indicates that higher intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) could be linked to an increased risk of developing lung cancer. The study analyzed data from the US Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trials, which involved over 155,000 participants aged between 55 and 74 years old, with dietary habits documented at the start of the study.

Participants' diets were categorized into unprocessed or minimally processed foods, culinary ingredients, processed foods, and ultra-processed foods. The average consumption of UPFs was nearly three servings daily, mainly including items such as lunch meats, diet or caffeinated soft drinks, and sweetened soft drinks. Over an average follow-up period of 12 years, around 1,706 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed, with a higher incidence observed among those with the highest UPF intake.

Adjusting for factors like smoking status and overall diet quality, the findings revealed that individuals in the highest quarter of UPF consumption had a 41% greater likelihood of developing lung cancer compared to those in the lowest quarter. This increased risk was consistent for both major types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with respective increases of 37% and 44%.

The study emphasizes the potential dangers associated with UPFs, which are often loaded with sugars, salts, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives. These foods have been linked to multiple health conditions, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. The researchers suggest that the rise in UPF consumption worldwide over recent decades may contribute significantly to the global burden of cancer and other chronic diseases.

One plausible explanation for the association is that UPFs displace healthier food options like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are protective against cancer. Industrial processing can alter nutrient availability, introduce harmful contaminants such as acrolein, and involve packaging materials that may further impact food quality. The authors recommend further longitudinal studies across different populations to confirm causality.

While the study is observational and cannot establish direct cause-and-effect relationships, it highlights the importance of promoting diets rich in minimally processed foods to potentially reduce lung cancer risk. Limiting UPF intake could be a feasible public health strategy to combat the rising rates of this deadly disease.