Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, are collectively responsible for around 74% of all deaths globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Unhealthy diets are widely recognised as a significant determinant of the occurrence of NCDs.
Globally, a steady rise in the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has been observed over the past few years. A study published in eClinicalMedicine by Chang and colleagues in January 2023 suggested that higher consumption of UPFs may be linked to an increased risk of developing and dying from cancer. GlobalData epidemiologists expect that as the consumption of UPFs continues to rise, the incidence of cancer and cancer-associated mortality is also likely to increase in the coming years.
Go deeper with GlobalData
UPFs are food and drink items that have undergone heavy processing during their production, including carbonated drinks, ready-made meals, frozen foods, and many packaged breads. UPFs are generally higher in salt, fat, and sugar content than unprocessed or less-processed foods, and often contain artificial additives. But these foods are cheap, convenient, and easily accessible, with some even marketed as healthy options.
The prospective cohort study conducted by Chang and colleagues used UK biobank records to collate information on the diets of 200,000 adult participants enrolled between 2009 and 2012. The participants were followed up until January 2021, with researchers looking at overall cancer risk and risks associated with developing 34 specific cancer types. Researchers also examined the association between UPF consumption and the risk of people dying from cancer.
The study found that higher consumption of UPFs was associated with an increased overall risk of developing cancer, with a particularly elevated risk of ovarian and brain cancers. Researchers observed that for each 10% increase in UPFs in a person’s diet, there was a 2% increase in cancer incidence overall, and a 19% increase in the risk of ovarian cancer specifically. According to GlobalData’s forecast, there are estimated to be around 7,900 new incident cases of ovarian cancer in the UK in 2023, which will increase to 8,200 new incident cases in 2028. GlobalData epidemiologists estimate the number of diagnosed incident cases of brain cancer in the UK to be 5,700 in 2023, increasing to 6,200 diagnosed incident cases in 2028.
The study by Chang and colleagues reports that UPFs consumption was also found to be associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality, most notably with ovarian and breast cancers. For each 10% increase in UPF consumption, overall cancer mortality increased by 6%. Moreover, this same increase in UPF consumption was associated with a 16% increase in breast cancer mortality and a 30% increase in ovarian cancer mortality.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataThe study found that higher consumption of UPFs was associated with an increased overall risk of developing cancer, with a particularly elevated risk of ovarian and brain cancers. Researchers observed that for each 10% increase in UPFs in a person’s diet, there was a 2% increase in cancer incidence overall, and a 19% increase in the risk of ovarian cancer specifically. GlobalData’s forecast estimates around 7,900 new cases of ovarian cancer in the UK in 2023, increasing to 8,200 in 2028. GlobalData epidemiologists estimate that the number of diagnosed cases of brain cancer in the UK will be 5,700 in 2023, increasing to 6,200 diagnosed cases in 2028.
The study by Chang and colleagues reports that UPFs consumption was also found to be associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality, most notably from ovarian and breast cancers. For each 10% increase in UPF consumption, overall cancer mortality increased by 6%. This increase in UPF consumption was also associated with a 16% increase in breast cancer mortality and a 30% increase in ovarian cancer mortality.
This study supports the growing body of evidence that UPFs are linked to negative health outcomes including increasing the risk of cancers, and highlights the importance of reducing the amount of UPFs consumed by UK adults and children in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Further research is needed to corroborate this research and navigate the best public health strategies to mitigate the negative effects of UPFs.
