Previous studies have often focused on individual nutrients such as fat, sugar, or calories.
However, researchers writing in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention took a different approach by examining the level of food processing in the diet.
Their findings suggest that ultra-processed foods may be linked to higher mortality among cancer survivors.
Long-term follow-up in Italy
The study followed more than 800 Italian cancer survivors for nearly 15 years.
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Participants reported their dietary habits, enabling researchers to assess how much of their daily intake consisted of ultra-processed products.
These included ready-made meals, sweetened breakfast cereals, and processed meats.
By focusing on food processing rather than single nutrients, the researchers aimed to capture broader patterns in dietary quality that may affect long-term health.
Possible biological mechanisms
According to the study authors, ultra-processed foods often contain additives and highly refined ingredients that can interfere with the body’s natural balance.
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The analysis identified chronic inflammation and an elevated resting heart rate as important contributing factors.
Together, these mechanisms explained more than one third of the observed association between high consumption of ultra-processed foods and increased mortality among cancer survivors.
Higher mortality risk observed
Over the follow-up period, cancer survivors with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods faced a substantially higher risk of death.
Reporting on the findings, Powers Health noted that cancer-related mortality was 59 percent higher in this group, while overall mortality was 48 percent higher compared with survivors who consumed the least ultra-processed food.
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Study limitations
The researchers emphasize that the study is observational and cannot establish causality.
In addition, the findings are based on data from Italy, which may limit their applicability to other populations with different dietary habits.
Sources: Powers Health, and Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
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