UPFs Linked to 41% Higher Lung Cancer Risk

A large international study published in the journal Thorax found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs)—averaging nearly three servings daily—is associated with a 41% higher risk of developing lung cancer, even after adjusting for smoking. Researchers tracked more than 100,000 US adults for over a decade, noting the strongest risk among those with the highest UPF intake. UPFs are characterized by high levels of additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients, and may increase cancer risk via poor nutrition, exposure to packaging chemicals, and contaminants formed during processing. While the study is observational and cannot confirm causality, experts urge caution and recommend reducing UPF consumption as a preventive measure. The findings reinforce previous research linking UPFs to adverse health outcomes. Further studies in diverse populations are needed to verify these results.