How the typical British diet increases cancer risk

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A major study has found that foods that make up half of the average British diet raise the risk of cancer.

Common everyday fare – including most breakfast cereals, breads, snacks and fast food – appears to be endangering the nation’s health, scientists said.

A number of studies have previously linked “ultra-processed” foods, which are mass-produced, and contain chemicals, colourings, sweeteners and preservatives, to cancer.

But the researchers said the latest study, by Imperial College London, was the most comprehensive yet, involving nearly 200,000 people aged 40 to 69 who were tracked for more than a decade, against the risks of 34 types of cancer.

They said the findings were particularly troubling because of the “exceptionally high” intake of processed foods in the British diet – which make up about half of daily calories.

UK ultra-processed diet ‘exceptionally high’

For every 10 percent increase in ultra-processed foods in one’s diet, the chance of developing cancer increased by two percent, while cancer death rates were six percent higher.

Some of the sharpest rises were seen in diseases of the breast and ovaries, where the cancer death rate rose by 16 and 30 percent, respectively.

Researcher Dr Kiara Chang said: “The average person in the UK consumes more than half of their daily energy intake from ultra-processed foods.

“This is exceptionally high and worrisome as ultra-processed foods are produced with industrially derived ingredients and food additives are often used to adjust color, flavor, consistency, texture or extend shelf life.”

The study, which was funded by Cancer Research UK and the World Cancer Research Fund, could not prove a link, because it was observational research, based on remembering people’s diets, and could not prove cause and effect.

Other scientists have noted that eating large amounts of such foods can be a sign of other poor diet choices.

But the researchers called for warning labels to be placed on processed foods, urged people to limit their intake and said the sugar tax should be extended to more processed products.

A number of countries, including France, Canada and Brazil, have updated dietary guidelines to limit such foods, but there is no such measure in the UK.

Common ultra-processed foods

Ultra-processed foods usually contain ingredients that people don’t add when cooking homemade food.

The most common foods eaten in the UK are mass store-bought bread, ready meals, various breakfast cereals, reconstituted meat products such as ham, puddings, store-bought biscuits, cakes and cakes.

Previous studies have indicated a link between ultra-processed foods and heart disease, as well as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

In the new study, published in eClinicalMedicine, the team used UK Biobank data to examine the diets of 197,426 people. Their health was tracked over a decade, and their risk of developing or dying from cancer was analysed.

The study found that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with an increased risk of cancer in general, particularly ovarian and brain cancer. It has also been associated with an increased risk of dying from cancer, particularly from ovarian and breast cancer.

These associations remained true even after controlling for factors that might alter the results, such as exercise and smoking. Body mass index (BMI) and deprivation.

Dr Panagiota Mitro, Director of Research and Innovation at the World Cancer Research Fund, said: “The results in this first study of its kind in the UK are important because this is the most comprehensive assessment of ultra-processed foods and cancer risk. This adds to the growing evidence linking these foods to cancer and other conditions. other health.”

People should limit consumption of “junk foods” and other processed foods that are high in fats, starches or sugars, Dr. Mitro said, adding: “For maximum benefit, we also recommend making whole grains, vegetables, fruits and pulses a major part of your diet. usual diet.”

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