Ultra-processed foods linked to higher lung cancer risk
27 August 2025
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) can lead to a higher risk of lung cancer, according to research published by Thorax, a publication by the BMJ group. The study, run by researchers from the Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, in China, and the Department of Biomedical Informatics, from the Harvard Medical School in the US, looked at data from a cohort of 100,000 women and men from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial in the United States. The data were gathered throughout 12 years, on average.
The study found that higher consumption of UPF is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer and small-cell lung cancer.
The mean age of the patients in this sample was 62.5 years.
After adjusting for other variables that impact lung cancer risks, the data showed a higher prevalence of lung cancer in the highest quarters for UPF consumption, compared with those in the lowest quarter. These results remained statistically significant after a large range of subgroup and sensitivity analyses.
UPFs typically undergo multiple processing steps and contain long lists of additives and preservatives. High consumption has been linked to a heightened risk of several non-communicable health conditions but, to date, there is little research on their impact on lung cancer.
Large epidemiological studies like this one on the health impacts of UPFs are essential in SAFE’s view. Their results must lead risk assessments and guide public policy.
Social media marketing influences our food choices
As the UK, Canada, or Austria move towards restricting social media use for minors, studies…
The Lancet confirms Chile’s pioneering food policy is helping reduce childhood obesity
A new study published in The Lancet provides the first national-level evidence that Chile’s comprehensive…
Nestlé to remove all artificial food colourings from its products this year
French headquarters building of Nestlé Nestlé plans to remove artificial food colourings from all food…
Study links sugar elimination to gut and metabolic issues
A surprising study found that completely cutting sugar from one’s diet may disrupt gut health and metabolism,…
Belgium taken to court for emergency authorisation of toxic pesticides
PAN Europe and Nature et Progrès Belgium have taken the Belgian state to court for…
The Lancet study confirms effectiveness of Chilean model in fighting child obesity
A study about the effects of the 2016 Chilean Food Labelling and Advertising Law (FLAL)…
