Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Increased Inflammation and Intestinal Cancer Risk
New research suggests that specific fats found in ultra-processed foods can contribute to inflammation, a known factor in the development of certain intestinal tumors.
“It is indeed well known that patients with unhealthy diets have increased inflammation in the body,” stated study co-author Timothy Yeatman, a professor of surgery at USF Health Medicine School of Medicine and associated director of translational research and innovation at the TGH Institute of Cancer. “When your body is consistently fed ultra-processed foods, its ability to heal is compromised due to inflammation and immune system suppression, which can create an environment conducive to cancer growth.”
this type of cancer is particularly associated with changes in the intestinal microbiota, frequently enough referred to as the gut flora. Unhealthy dietary choices can disrupt this delicate balance.
Another significant risk factor identified is the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. These medications can eliminate beneficial bacteria that are integral to a healthy intestinal microbiota.
While screening exams like preventive colonoscopies are generally recommended from age 50, many young individuals diagnosed with intestinal cancer are found to be in advanced stages when symptoms manifest. This has prompted a recent shift in screening guidelines.
The American Cancer Society, as an example, now advises individuals at risk for colorectal cancer to undergo preventive colonoscopies starting at age 45. This adjustment aims to facilitate earlier detection of the tumor. The frequency of follow-up screenings will be determined by the patient’s individual results and medical history, possibly ranging from two to ten years.A simpler method for early detection is the presence of blood in the stool.
For individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer, consulting a doctor is recommended to determine the appropriate screening frequency and necessity. Having a close relative with the disease elevates an individual’s risk.
