The ingredient lists of many ultra-processed foods include a large number of unknown additives. (internet)
In recent years, the issue of youth cancer has gained considerable attention in Western countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. An American oncologist recently wrote an article highlighting that all new cancer cases he and his colleagues have diagnosed and treated in recent years have been in individuals aged 45 or younger, which is alarming. He noted that the lifestyles of young cancer patients have a common factor.
Cancer is getting younger | “Every new patient” is under 45 years old
North Carolina oncologist Nicholas DeVito published an article on the medical news website STAT News, wherein he observed that the new cases of colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and other gastrointestinal cancers he has treated in recent years involve very young patients. He informed his colleagues, “Every new patient I follow up with is under 45 years old.” A colleague echoed similar observations, stating, “I also have three (new patients under 45 years old)… too many young cancer patients.”
Ultra-processed food｜A major culprit in cancer rejuvenation
Drawing from his daily observations, conversations with patients, and data analysis, DeVito believes that a primary contributor to the rise of cancer among younger individuals is “ultra-processed food.”
The term “ultra-processed food” originated from an academic research report by researchers from the University of São Paulo in Brazil in 2009, which categorized foods according to their level of processing to enhance public understanding of food processing and its health implications.
Ultra-processed food｜Produced through industrial processes and containing ingredients not typically used in regular cooking
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations currently classifies food into four categories: “unprocessed or minimally processed foods,” “processed foods with cooking ingredients,” “processed foods,” and “ultra-processed foods.” Among these, “ultra-processed foods” undergo the highest degree of processing and are usually manufactured through industrial methods. Ingredients like sugar, oil, fats, and salt are often combined, along with additives that are not commonly found in regular cooking, such as flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, spices, and preservatives.
Examples of ultra-processed foods｜Including a wide array of ready-to-eat items, potato chips, instant noodles, and frozen pancakes, among others
Examples of ultra-processed foods encompass soda, potato chips, cookies, instant noodles, frozen pizza, partially prepared meals, breakfast cereals, powdered instant soups, and mass-produced bread.
Four categories of food
Category 1:Unprocessed or minimally processed foods– These foods exist in their natural form or have undergone minimal processing, such as drying, refrigeration, and vacuum packaging. Examples include fresh fruits, refrigerated vegetables, and milk powder.
Category 2:Cooking Ingredient Processed Foods– These foods are ingredients used in home or restaurant cooking and result from processes like pressing, refining, and grinding. Examples include vegetable oil, sugar, and salt.
Category 3:Processed Foods– These foods result from the combination of categories 1 and 2. Examples include canned vegetables in brine, canned fish preserved in oil, and nuts and seeds with added salt or sugar.
Category 4:Ultra-processed foods– Typically produced through industrial processes, these foods often combine sugar, oils, and fats with salt. Furthermore, ultra-processed foods contain ingredients that are not usually utilized in cooking or various types of additives (like flavor enhancers, colorings, and artificial sweeteners). Examples include carbonated drinks, potato chips, cookies, instant noodles, and refrigerated pizza.
Ultra-processed foods | Linked to over 30 health issues: bowel cancer, pancreatic cancer, obesity, heart disease, diabetes
Reports suggest that nearly 75% of the foods consumed daily by Americans are ultra-processed. DeVito pointed out that studies have established a link between ultra-processed foods and more than 30 health conditions, including colon cancer, rectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. They can also contribute to obesity, substantially increase cancer risk, and lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Ultra-processed food｜Doctors use tobacco as a comparison to advocate for government regulation
DeVito noted that tobacco led to a significant increase in lung cancer cases during the 1990s. By the end of 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration implemented regulations that reduced the smoking rate in the U.S. from 45% in the 1950s to the current 12%. Drawing lessons from this experience, he believes that ultra-processed food today resembles tobacco in the past. Its consumption has surged since 2000, but the lack of regulation in the U.S. has allowed many additives that are deemed “generally recognized as safe” to enter the food system in excessive quantities. He asserts that both the government and industry should take action.
Cancer is getting younger | The number of young cancer patients globally has surged by 79%
The trend of younger cancer patients is not confined to Europe and the United States. According to statistics, from 1990 to 2019, the number of young cancer patients worldwide increased by 79%, while there was a 28% rise in deaths; the incidence rate of early-onset cancer (for patients under 50 years old) in the United States ranks sixth in the world, with 87 cases per 100,000 people under the age of 50.
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The ingredient lists of many ultra-processed foods include a large number of unknown additives. (internet)
Cancer is getting younger | “Every new patient” is under 45 years old
In recent years, the issue of youth cancer has attracted widespread attention in Western countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States. An American oncologist, Nicholas DeVito, highlighted alarming trends, noting that the new cancer cases he and his colleagues are diagnosing and treating are predominantly in people aged 45 or younger. This growing incidence among younger populations is concerning, indicating a shift in the cancer demographic.
DeVito recently shared his observations in an article on the medical news website STAT News, where he emphasized that “every new patient I follow up is under 45 years old.” This sentiment was echoed by a colleague, who remarked, “I also have 3 (new patients under 45 years old) … too many young cancer patients.” The increasing number of young people diagnosed with serious conditions such as colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic cancers demands immediate attention.
Ultra-processed food | A major culprit in cancer rejuvenation
Discussing potential causes behind this alarming trend, DeVito points to a significant factor: the rise of ultra-processed food. This term was first introduced in a 2009 academic report from researchers at the University of São Paulo in Brazil, which categorized foods based on their level of processing to enhance public understanding of food’s impact on health.
Understanding Ultra-processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods encompass products that are manufactured through industrial processes and contain ingredients not typically used in home cooking. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) classifies foods into four categories:
- Unprocessed or minimally processed foods: These are foods in their natural state or have undergone minimal processing (e.g., dried fruits, fresh vegetables).
- Processed cooking ingredients: These include ingredients used for cooking, such as vegetable oils, sugars, and salts.
- Processed foods: Items made from a mixture of the first two categories, like canned vegetables in brine.
- Ultra-processed foods: Highly industrialized products often containing multiple sugars, oils, fats, salts, and a plethora of additives like flavors, preservatives, and colorings.
Examples of Ultra-processed Foods
Common examples of ultra-processed foods include:
- Soda
- Potato chips
- Cookies
- Instant noodles
- Frozen pizzas
- Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals
- Instant soups
- Mass-produced bread
Health Risks Linked to Ultra-processed Foods
DeVito’s insights are supported by numerous studies linking ultra-processed foods to over 30 health conditions, including:
- Bowel cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
Data indicates that nearly 75% of the typical American diet consists of ultra-processed foods. These dietary choices contribute significantly to the increasing cancer risk among younger populations.
Government Regulation and Public Health
Drawing parallels with tobacco regulation, DeVito urged the government to consider similar actions regarding ultra-processed foods. He referred to the spike in lung cancer cases due to tobacco use and how regulatory measures in the late 2000s significantly reduced smoking rates in the US from 45% in the 1950s to about 12% today. The lack of oversight regarding the widespread availability of ultra-processed foods mirrors the pre-regulatory environment of tobacco, and thus, he suggests that effective policy changes should be made to address this growing health crisis.
Global Trends in Young Cancer Patients
Notably, the phenomenon of younger cancer patients isn’t confined to Western countries. Statistics reveal that from 1990 to 2019, the number of young cancer patients globally increased by an alarming 79%, with deaths rising by 28%. Current data positions the United States sixth worldwide for early-onset cancer incidences (patients under 50), representing 87 cases per 100,000 individuals under the age of 50.
Practical Tips for Healthier Eating
Here are some practical tips to reduce the consumption of ultra-processed foods:
- Cook at home: Preparing meals using whole, natural ingredients can decrease reliance on ultra-processed options.
- Read food labels: Familiarize yourself with ingredient lists and avoid products with long lists of additives.
- Emphasize whole foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Plan meals and snacks: Having healthy options readily available can help resist the temptation of convenience foods.
Case Studies and First-Hand Experiences
Many individuals have reported significant health improvements after reducing their intake of ultra-processed foods. For instance, users have experienced weight loss, improved energy levels, and overall better health outcomes after adopting a whole-food diet. One case study highlighted a young man who, after a cancer diagnosis, shifted to a diet rich in unprocessed foods and claimed to have felt more vitality and resilience during treatment.
Conclusion
The growing trend of young individuals being diagnosed with cancer is alarming. As studies increasingly connect ultra-processed foods to serious health risks, it becomes evident that changes in dietary consumption are necessary to promote better health outcomes. Advocating for government regulations similar to tobacco laws could be imperative in reversing the worrying trends of rising cancer rates among younger populations.