Behind The Enjoying Of Ultraprocess Foods, The Risk Of Large Intusive Cancer Lurks Young Women

Illustration of ultra-process food (Pexels/Caleb Oquendo)

JAKARTA - Women under the age of 50 who often eat ultraprocessed foods (ultra-processed foods) have a greater risk of abnormal growth in their intestines, which is at risk of cancer such as colon cancer.

This was revealed in a recent study, published in Jama Oncology. The study states that women consume a lot of ultraprocess foods at risk of developing a colon polyp, known as conventional adenomas (conventional adenoma).

Most of these polyps do not become colon cancer. But at the same time, we know most of the intestinal cancer we see in young people arises from this precursor receivable," said study lead author Dr. Andrew Chan, quoted from The Guardian, on Thursday, November 20, 2025.

Ultraprocess foods are foods that are generally easy to eat, low in fiber, low in vitamins, and high in sugar, salt, saturated fats, and various other additive substances.

The study was conducted by using data from Nurses Health Study II (NHS II), a large study that began in 1989 and involved a female nurse born between 1947-1964.

Since 1991, participants have filled out food questionnaires every four years. Data from 29,105 participants is analyzed, those who have undergone colonoscopy and have no history of polyp, inflammatory intestinal disease, or other cancers.

Groups that eat the most UPFs, an average of 9.9 servings, have a 45 percent higher risk of experiencing a convention polyp adenoma before the age of 50, compared to groups that only eat 3.3 versions of UPF per day.

Not only that, Doctor Chan also said that ultraprocess foods can worsen metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, two conditions that increase the risk of colon cancer. Therefore, it is highly recommended to eat healthy foods and reduce the consumption of ultraprocessed foods.

This does not mean that if you consume the UPF, you will definitely suffer from cancer. That is certainly not the message we conveyed. However, it is one of the factors that may play a role in increasing the level of cancer underlying it," concluded Doctor Chan.