A pile of foods linked to the rise of colon cancer are also believed to increase the risk of lung cancer, a study suggests.
A group of Chinese researchers have found that consuming ultra-processed foods (UPFs) such as packaged snacks, chips, sweetened beverages, soda and processed meats can raise your risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer by 41 percent.
The study found that eating UPFs can increase the risk of non-small cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer, by 37 percent, and small cell lung cancer by 44 percent.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in both men and women in the US and about 230,000 people are expected to be affected this year.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 125,000 people will die from the disease in 2025.
While lung cancer rates overall are decreasing in the US, there’s a concerning trend of increasing cases among women and in young adults who have never smoked.
While UPFs have been previously linked to increasing the risk of colorectal cancer due to cell DNA damage, the researchers said it was surprising to find links to lung cancer.
Based on the discovery, the scientists said that while additional research was required, it was important to limit consumption of UPFs.
Eating ultra-processed food may increase your chances of developing lung cancer by 41 percent
The study, which was published in the medical journal Thorax, analyzed data from nearly 102,000 people who were cancer-free from 1998 to 2010.
Participants were asked to answer questionnaires about their overall health and the food they ate 24 hours prior to the beginning of the trial.
Based on their UPF intake, the volunteers were divided into four groups to measure their likelihood of developing lung cancer.
Foods classed as UPFs included sour cream, cream cheese, ice cream, frozen yogurt, fried foods, bread, cookies, cakes, pastries, salty snacks, breakfast cereals, instant noodles and soups, sauces, margarine, candy, soft drinks, artificially sweetened fruit drinks, restaurant/industrial hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza.
The researchers found that people in the lowest risk group had about 0.5 servings of UPFs a day while those who were most likely to develop lung cancer had six servings a day.
On average, most participants ate about 2.8 servings of ultra-processed foods each day.
The researchers also found that lunch meat comprised 11 percent of the participants’ overall diets, caffeinated soft drinks were 7.3 percent and decaffeinated soft drinks were 6.6 percent.
During the 12-year study period, participants self-reported lung cancer diagnoses through annual questionnaires and X-ray reports.
By the end, a total of 1,706 cases of lung cancer were identified, out of which 1,273 were cases of non-small cell lung cancer and 233 cases of small cell lung cancer.
Non-small cell lung cancer occurs when normal cells in your lungs change and grow uncontrollably over a period of time.
This is the most common type of lung cancer, making up about 85 percent of all lung cancer cases and can quickly spread to other organs.
Small cell lung cancer is a highly aggressive and fast-growing type of cancer that is known for its tendency to spread quickly to other parts of the body.
After a thorough statistical analysis, they found that participants who ate the most UPFs had an overall 41 percent higher chance of of lung cancer compared with those in the lowest group.
Additionally, low consumption of minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains was also linked to increased lung cancer risk.
In particular, they noted that carrageenan, a food additive used as a thickening agent, can cause intestinal inflammation in cells, leading to gastrointestinal issues and an imbalance in the gut microbiome which may contribute to lung cancer.
Based on the discovery, the scientists said that while additional research was required, it was important to limit consumption of UPFs
Examples of foods containing carrageenan include dairy products like ice cream and yogurt, non-dairy alternatives such as almond milk and soy milk, processed meats like deli meat and chicken sausage, and even some infant formulas.
They also found that acrolein – a toxic component of cigarette smoke found in various foods, particularly those that have been cooked at high temperatures – can contribute to lung cancer by damaging basic call DNA.
The formation of acrolein is primarily linked to the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids during processes like frying, roasting, and baking.
Lastly, the scientists noted that UPFs may be contaminated by packaging materials, such polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) used in fatty fish, meat and dairy products, which can increase affect lung cancer risk.
PCBs were largely mass produced by agricultural giant Monsanto until they were banned in 1979 amid concerns that they harmed humans and the environment.
According to the EPA, conclusive evidence has found that PCBs can cause cancer in animals, as well as harm their immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems.
The agency classifies these chemicals as ‘probably carcinogenic’ to humans.
The above CDC graph shows the most commonly consumed ultra-processed foods in the US
According to the CDC, exposure to PCBs can lead to increased enzymes linked to liver damage, skin lesions, and respiratory issues.
Animal studies have shown effects such as weight loss, fatty liver, thyroid damage, and cancer.
While PCBs are banned and not intentionally used in new food packaging, they can still be present due to historical uses and accidental contamination.
Specifically, PCBs can leach from recycled paper products or contaminated machinery used in manufacturing.
Commenting on cancer-causing potential of UPFs Dr Matthew Schabath, an epidemiologist at Moffitt Cancer Center who was not involved in the study, told Prevention: ‘Although ultra-processed foods are not—yet—classified as carcinogens, both epidemiological and laboratory data suggest they may be a potential cancer risk factor.
‘Laboratory studies have shown that components of ultra-processed foods can alter gut microbiota, increase inflammation, damage DNA, and modify gene expression, among other effects.
‘Diets high in ultra-processed foods also promote systemic inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which contribute to cancer development.’
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .