A new study led by scientists from Mass General Brigham, working under the Cancer Grand Challenges PROSPECT team, suggests a possible link between ultra-processed foods and early indicators of colorectal cancer.
Ultra-processed foods include packaged snacks, processed meats, sugary cereals, instant meals, and other products containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavours.
Their findings, published on 13 November 2025, highlight the potential role of modern diets in shaping cancer risk among younger adults.
Colorectal cancer — a disease that develops in the colon or rectum — has long been associated with older age.
In the study, the team examined dietary patterns and endoscopy results from nearly 30,000 women.
Participants who consumed the highest amounts of ultra-processed foods recorded a 45% higher risk of developing adenomas — abnormal growths in the colon that can progress into early-onset colorectal cancer — compared to those who consumed the least.
While the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the researchers say the association is strong enough to warrant deeper investigation.
By Alufisha Fischer
