High consumption of ultra-processed foods can increase the risk of lung cancer by 41%.

A diet high in ultra-processed foods may be directly linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, according to research from Chongqing University in China, published in the scientific journal Thorax . The study followed more than 100,000 adults in the United States for 12 years and revealed that among participants who consumed the most ultra-processed foods, the incidence of the disease was up to 41% higher compared to those who consumed the least.

To investigate the relationship between diet and tumor development, researchers used data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial . Over the course of the study, 1,700 cases of lung cancer were recorded—1,473 non-small cell lung cancers and 233 small cell lung cancers. Even after statistical adjustments for factors such as smoking and exposure to contaminants, the association between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and disease risk remained significant.

Among the 25% of participants who consumed the most of this type of food, the likelihood of developing lung cancer was 41% higher compared to the group who consumed the least. The risk was even higher in rare subtypes of the disease: the incidence of small cell carcinoma, typically linked to smoking, increased by 44%, while in non-small cell carcinoma the increase was 37%.

"Although lung cancer is indeed closely associated with smoking, it's not just cigarette smoking that leads to tumors. We already know that other factors, such as exposure to pollutants and family history, contribute to a greater risk, as do risks associated with lifestyle habits, such as those observed in dietary quality," explains clinical oncologist Gustavo Schvartsman of Einstein Hospital Israelita.

The doctor emphasizes that several factors may explain the relationship found in the study. Some ingredients in ultra-processed foods can lead to chronic systemic inflammation that facilitates tumor formation. Oxidative stress and changes in the gut microbiota also affect the immune system, impairing the body's defenses even in organs outside the digestive tract, such as the lungs.

Schvartsman points out that some of the substances present in ultra-processed foods may be involved in this tumor process. "We have nitrates and nitrites, especially in processed meats, which can cause lung and urinary tract cancers. Acrylamide, found in potato chips, can also cause various cancers, including lung cancer, so this isn't the first time we've come across the link between ultra-processed foods and cancer," adds the oncologist.

How do ultra-processed foods cause cancer?

Ultra-processed foods are a category of industrially produced foods with preservatives and flavorings, often without any ingredients of plant or animal origin. This group includes soft drinks, processed meats, cookies, ready-to-eat soups, snacks, frozen meals, and others.

For nutritionist and nephrologist Rodrigo Costa Gonçalves, coordinator of nutritional therapy at Einstein Hospital Israelita in Goiânia, the recent study is yet another consistent association that reinforces the warning about the harmful effects of ultra-processed foods.

"There are many different risk factors when we think about ultra-processed foods and their links to cancer. Food additives can lead to systemic inflammation, in addition to the presence of contaminants, which can form during industrial heating or in the packaging itself, usually plastic," he states.

Gonçalves adds, however, that the risk relationships should be investigated further. "Not all ultra-processed foods are created equal. Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and ham, are more associated with cancer than sugary drinks, although both have a negative impact. So, within this group, we need to understand the potential risk factors. A 41% increased risk is quite significant, but the study doesn't allow us to establish a direct cause and effect. It shows this dangerous correlation that should be investigated in further research," he indicates.

For the doctor, the research published in Thorax reinforces previous warnings about the role of these products in obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other types of cancer. Like the study's authors, the nutritionist argues that reducing the consumption of ultra-processed foods in daily life can be a protective measure against cancer, a measure echoed by doctors.

The expert says it's possible to consistently reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods in Brazil. "This should be viewed as a public health issue, but also an individual one, and the best way to do this is through organization. We need to plan our meals to have access to quality food in a practical way, not just pre-made microwave lunches," he states. He adds that it's important for society to learn to cook to discover flavors and textures, which helps improve nutrition. "Finally, we need to keep an eye on prices to buy natural foods affordably," concludes Gonçalves.

Source: Einstein Agency

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