High Ultra-Processed Foods May Raise Risk of Early-Onset Colorectal Adenomas in Women: Daily Dose

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On November 14, 2025, we reported on a study published in JAMA Oncology that examined the association between consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and risk of early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) precursors.

The study

The prospective cohort study included participants of the Nurses’ Health Study II, an ongoing US prospective cohort of female registered nurses established in 1989. Researchers followed female nurses who underwent at least one lower endoscopy before the age of 50. The follow-up period spanned 24 years, from June 1, 1991, to June 1, 2015. UPF intake was assessed using validated food-frequency questionnaires administered every 4 years.

The primary outcome was the incidence of EOCRC precursors, including conventional adenomas and serrated lesions, confirmed via medical records and pathology reports.

The findings

Among 29 105 women, over 24 years of follow-up, 1189 cases were documented of early-onset conventional adenomas and 1598 serrated lesions. Compared to women in the lowest quintile of UPF intake (average 3 servings/day), those in the highest quintile (average 10 servings/day) had an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 1.45 (95% CI, 1.19-1.77; P < .001) for these lesions. In contrast, investigators observed no association between UPF intake and the risk of developing serrated lesions (AOR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.89-1.22; P = .48 for trend), according to the results.

Authors’ comments

“Our findings highlight the importance of diet in early-onset colorectal carcinogenesis and support dietary quality improvement as a strategy to mitigate the increasing burden of EOCRC.”

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