Foods that can constitute up to half of the average diet have been associated with a heightened risk of developing lung cancer, according to new research. The study, published in the respected journal Thorax, adds the common disease to a growing list of health harms linked to ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
What the Major Study Revealed
The research analysed dietary data from more than 101,000 participants, with an average age of 62. It identified a concerning connection between high consumption of UPFs and lung cancer incidence. Among the participants, 1,706 lung cancer cases were diagnosed. The majority (1,473 cases) were the non-small cell variant, with the remaining 233 being the more aggressive small cell type.
While there is no single definition, UPFs are typically industrial formulations containing additives, preservatives, and flavour enhancers, and are often low in nutritional value. The study highlighted specific items, with the three most prevalent in diets being:
- Lunch meat (11%)
- Diet or caffeinated soft drinks (just over 7%)
- Decaffeinated soft drinks (nearly 7%)
Other commonly consumed UPFs included ice cream, shop-bought sauces and soups, sweets, instant noodles, breakfast cereals, margarine, and ready-made items like pizza and burgers.
Understanding the Broader Health Context
Ultra-processed foods have previously been connected to more than 30 detrimental health effects, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and reduced life expectancy. Researchers suggest their high sugar, salt, and saturated fat content, coupled with low nutritional value, may contribute to the rise in 'obesity, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, cancer and mortality'.
Lung cancer remains one of the most common cancers globally. In the UK alone, the NHS records over 43,000 new diagnoses every year. The disease is particularly insidious as it often presents no symptoms in its early stages; later signs can include a persistent cough, breathlessness, coughing up blood, and unexplained tiredness.
Expert Insights and Important Caveats
Nutritionist Rob Hobson cautioned against demonising specific foods, advising that people should instead aim for small, sustainable shifts towards a healthier overall diet. He emphasised to The Independent that the findings highlight the need to examine the wider 'food environment', where UPFs are often cheap, heavily marketed, and readily available.
The study's authors noted that their research was observational, meaning no firm conclusions about direct causation can be drawn. It did not account for other critical factors such as participants' smoking histories, which is a leading cause of lung cancer. However, the findings strongly indicate that limiting UPF intake could be a valuable step in mitigating disease risk.
The message from health experts is clear: while more research is needed, reducing reliance on ultra-processed foods in favour of fresh, whole ingredients is a prudent strategy for long-term health and wellbeing.
