Ultra-processed foods may help explain rising bowel cancer in under-50s, study suggests

Research among women finds those who eat more UPFs have greater risk of early onset of polyp that can lead to cancer

Women under 50 who have a diet high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) stand a greater risk of having abnormal growths in their bowel that can lead to cancer, research suggests.

Ultra-processed foods are typically defined as industrially produced products that are often ready-to-eat, contain little in the way of whole foods, fibre and vitamins, and are typically high in saturated fat, sugar, salt and food additives.