British Medical JournalAssociation of Ultra-Processed Food Consumption with Colorectal Cancer Risk Among Men and Women: Results from Three Prospective US Cohort Studies

Over a 24-year-period, more than 200,000 men (n=46,341) and women (n=159,907) had dietary intake assessments performed every four years via survey. During the period, 3,216 CRC cancer cases were reported. Men with the highest 20% of ultra-processed food consumption had a 29% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer. For women, no association was seen between ultra-processed food consumption and risk of CRC. Ready-to-eat meat products and sugar-sweetened drinks among men and ready-to-eat/heat mixed dishes among women had the highest risk of CRC. Yogurt and dairy-based desserts had a negative associated risk for women.