Eating more ultra-processed foods tied to increased risk of early

Eating a diet highest in ultra-processed foods is tied to an increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer when compared with consuming such foods sparingly, a new U.S. study suggests, pointing to one potential reason for rising rates of the cancer in young adults.

Ultra-processed foods are ready-to-eat or ready-to-heat foods that often contain high levels of sugar, salt, saturated fat and food additives to keep them shelf stable and preserved — things like mass-produced bread, breakfast cereals and instant soups.

The rise in colorectal cancer rates among people in their 20s, 30s and 40s in a number of countries outpaces what could be attributed to genetics alone, scientists say. That’s prompted medical researchers to scrutinize lifestyle factors, like changes in diet, weight, physic