High intake of ultra-processed foods linked to 41% higher lung cancer risk

High consumption of ultra-processed foods may raise lung cancer risk by 41%

A growing body of evidence warns about the health effects of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), and a new study has now linked high intake of these products with a significantly increased risk of lung cancer.

The research, published in Thorax, found that people who consumed the highest amounts of UPFs had a 41% higher likelihood of developing lung cancer compared with those who ate the least.

What are ultra-processed foods?

UPFs are formulations of food substances that undergo heavy industrial processing and include additives such as flavors, colors, emulsifiers, and preservatives. They are designed to be hyper-palatable and ready-to-consume.

Common examples include:

• Carbonated soft drinks
• Mass-produced bread
• Confectionery and ice cream
• Sweet and savory packaged snacks
• Ready-to-eat meals

These foods make up around 60% of daily energy intake in the United States, according to prior research.

The study findings

The researchers analyzed dietary data from more than 100,000 participants enrolled in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO). Participants were followed for an average of 12.2 years.

• Lowest UPF intake: 0.5 servings per day
• Highest UPF intake: 6 servings per day (average 2.8)
• Lung cancer diagnoses: 1,706 cases, including both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Those in the highest quartile of UPF intake showed a 41% increased risk of lung cancer compared with the lowest quartile.

Why might UPFs increase cancer risk?

The study authors and independent experts suggest several possible reasons:

• Poor nutritional quality and low nutrient availability
• Food additives such as glutamate and carrageenan that may disrupt lung and gut microbiota
• Processing and packaging contaminants that could be carcinogenic

Additionally, people consuming higher amounts of UPFs tended to eat fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are known to lower cancer risk.

Limitations of the research

Experts caution that this was an observational study, meaning it cannot prove cause and effect. Limitations include:

• Self-reported dietary intake
• Lack of detailed data on smoking intensity
• Limited ethnic diversity among participants
• No adjustment for occupational exposures such as asbestos or silica

Dr. Nilesh Vora, medical director of the MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute in California, noted that while the findings are compelling, more prospective studies are needed to validate the results.

Why cutting back on UPFs still makes sense

Despite the uncertainties, experts agree that reducing UPF intake benefits overall health. Prior reviews have linked these foods to higher risks of:

• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers

Katrina Brown of Cancer Research UK emphasized:

“Cutting down on these types of foods can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. When it comes to lung cancer, not smoking remains the most effective way to lower risk.”

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