Overview
- An analysis published in JAMA Oncology used 24 years of Nurses' Health Study II data from 29,105 women who had at least two lower endoscopies before age 50.
- Women with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods—about 10 servings per day—had a 45% higher risk of conventional adenomas than those consuming about three servings per day.
- The study found no association between ultra-processed food consumption and serrated lesions, a slower-growing polyp type less tied to early-onset colorectal cancer.
- The association remained after adjustments for body mass index, type 2 diabetes, and fiber intake; average intake was 5.7 daily servings, accounting for roughly 35% of calories.
- Absolute risks reported in the cohort were about 3% for women averaging three daily servings versus about 5% for those consuming 10 or more, with authors noting limitations such as self-reported diets and the predominantly female nurse cohort and calling for replication and prudent dietary reductions alongside routine screening.