Are Processed Foods Not As Risky for Colon Cancer As Once Thought?

A study of more than 460,000 Americans found no overall link between ultra-processed foods and colorectal cancer.

But some processed foods were linked to higher cancer rates while others were linked to lower rates.

The research, led by the National Cancer Institute’s Erikka Loftfield, appeared in PLOS Medicine.

Ultra-processed foods make up more than half of American adults’ calories.

But the category includes everything from whole-grain products to processed meats.

Researchers examined dietary records from 461,682 Americans 50 to 71, tracking their health for a median of 18.8 years.

Higher overall consumption was not associated with increased colorectal cancer incidence.

Looking at individual food groups, however, revealed different patterns.

• Whole grains, fiber, dairy and calcium from ultra-processed foods were associated with lower cancer rates.
• Processed meat showed the opposite association.

So at first, it may seem that heavily processed foods don’t increase the risk of some cancers.

But we need to put this into a clearer context, because, for instance, fiber is linked to lower colon cancer risk.

We can take from the study that whole grain bread and yogurt, which are processed products, are much better choices for the body than are deli meats and hotdogs.

The study says that replacing 10% of ultra-processed food intake by weight with minimally processed foods was linked to a 2% lower incidence of colon cancer.

Study Limitations and Dietary Advice

The researchers noted that most participants were older, white Americans.

Dietary habits were recorded only at the study’s beginning, and the research can’t prove that particular foods directly cause changes in cancer risk.

The findings support existing advice to eat more whole grains, fiber and dairy while limiting processed meat.

For example, next time you order a pizza, skip the pepperoni and go for the onions, peppers and mushrooms.

Lorra Garrick is a former personal trainer certified by the American Council on Exercise. At Bally Total Fitness, where she was also a group fitness instructor, she trained clients of all ages and abilities for fat loss and maintaining it, muscle and strength building, fitness, and improved cardiovascular and overall health.