Intake of Ultra-Processed Food Increases Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Men
A recent study conducted in Tehran, Iran found that the intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) was strongly associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) in men.
The findings of this study were published in the journal, Nutrition and Cancer. The study included patients from four hospitals in Iran, comprising of 71 CRC patients and 142 controls (with non-neoplastic diseases).
A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary intakes of patient and control group consuming UPFs such as non-dairy beverages, processed meat and fast food. It was found that increased intake of UPFs is linked to a higher chance of developing CRC . This association remained the same even after taking factors such as Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking, educational level, type of job, income, and physical activity into consideration.
