Cancer survivors face 57% higher death risk from certain type of food
Fox News • • health
Key Points:
- A new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that cancer survivors who consume higher amounts of ultraprocessed foods face a significantly increased risk of both overall and cancer-specific mortality.
- Ultraprocessed foods, such as packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and ready-made meals, were linked to a 48% higher risk of death from any cause and a 57% higher risk of death from cancer compared to those consuming the least.
- The study followed over 800 cancer survivors in Italy for nearly 18 years and found that the degree of food processing independently impacts long-term health, beyond just nutrient content or overall diet quality.
- Researchers suggest that inflammation and other biological effects related to processed foods may explain the increased mortality risk, recommending a shift toward minimally processed, home-cooked meals to improve outcomes.
- The study is observational and relies on self-reported dietary data, so it cannot establish causation, and limitations include potential changes in diet over time and lack of detailed cancer stage information.
