Health Warning: Common foods that increase the risk of early-onset colon cancer by 45%

Arab Sea Newspaper - Special

**Arab Gulf_Reports:** A new study at "Mass General Brigham" has linked high consumption of ultra-processed foods, which mainly include ready-to-eat foods rich in sugar, salt, saturated fats, and additives, to higher rates of early-onset colorectal cancer. According to a report published by "Fox News," researchers analyzed more than two decades of data on diet and endoscopy results for nearly 30,000 women born between 1947 and 1964. All women participating in the Nurses' Health Study underwent at least two lower endoscopies before the age of 50 and completed dietary questionnaires every 4 years about their consumption of ultra-processed foods. It was found that those who consumed the largest amount of ultra-processed foods (an average of 10 servings per day) had a 45 percent increase in the risk of developing adenomas, compared to those who consumed the least amount (3 servings per day). An adenoma is a growth in the lining of the colon or rectum. Although it is benign (non-cancerous), it is considered a type of precancerous polyp and may be an early sign of future colorectal cancer. Andrew Chan, lead author, gastroenterologist, and head of the Clinical Epidemiology Unit at the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, said: "Our findings support the importance of reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods as a strategy to alleviate the increasing burden of early-onset colorectal cancer. The risk seems to increase linearly, meaning the more you consume these foods, the more likely you are to develop colon polyps." While previous studies have linked ultra-processed foods to colorectal cancer in general, this is the first study to link these foods to colorectal cancer at an early age. Chan pointed out that "one of the strengths of our study is that we have detailed information on other risk factors for the disease in the participants, such as body mass index, type 2 diabetes, and low fiber intake. Even after taking these factors into account, the link remained with ultra-processed foods." The researchers also noted that other factors may contribute to the increase in early-onset colorectal cancer, and some ultra-processed foods are more harmful than others. Chan added, "Diet is not a complete explanation for why we are seeing this trend; we see many people in our clinic with early-onset colon cancer, despite following a very healthy diet. Identifying other risk factors for early-onset colorectal cancer is one of the areas of work we are leading at the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute." Dr. Marc Siegel told "Fox News" that the study is observational, so it cannot prove causality, but it is very exciting because it is consistent with what has become more apparent about these drugs that act as anti-inflammatory agents and improve metabolic function. Siegel pointed out that some of these drugs may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with problems emptying the stomach or inflammatory bowel diseases, as they may be carcinogenic for some patients.