Ultra-Processed Foods May Fuel Colorectal Cancer Growth

Colorectal cancer, a major global health concern, is found to be linked to a diet high in ultra-processed foods, according to new research. Chronic inflammation, a hallmark of this cancer, appears to be exacerbated by these unhealthy food choices.

The Rising Threat of Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and a leading cause of cancer deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). While it predominantly affects people over 50, alarmingly, diagnoses in younger individuals are on the rise as recent studies show.

Inflammation: The Key Player

In colorectal cancer, the body’s intricate inflammatory and resolvent processes – crucial for battling and stopping threats – become disrupted. This imbalance leads to a weakened immune system and uncontrolled cell growth.

“It is well known that patients with unhealthy diets have increased inflammation in their bodies. We now see this inflammation in the colon tumors themselves, and cancer is like a chronic wound that won’t heal,” says surgery professor Timothy Yeatman from the University of South Florida (USF).

Ultra-Processed Foods: Fanning the Flames

Adding fuel to this fire is the consumption of ultra-processed foods, which further contribute to inflammation in the gut, hindering the healing process. The research suggests that these foods can suppress the immune system, allowing cancer to thrive.

“If your body is living off daily ultra-processed foods, its ability to heal that wound decreases due to the inflammation and suppression of the immune system that ultimately allows the cancer to grow,” Yeatman explains.

The Lipid Imbalance

Unprocessed foods provide a balance of healthy fats that aid in both triggering and resolving inflammation. For instance, avocados contain omega-3 fatty acids, which metabolize into bioactive lipid compounds that actively reduce inflammation. Conversely, highly processed foods lack these beneficial lipids and fiber, leading to an imbalance.

“Bioactive lipids are very small molecules derived from the foods that we eat… If the molecules are coming from processed food products, they directly imbalance the immune system and drive chronic inflammation,” says USF pharmacologist Ganesh Halade.

Omega-6 Overload

Processed foods often contain high amounts of linoleic acid, found in vegetable oils like sunflower, rapeseed, canola, and corn. This omega-6 fatty acid, when metabolized, becomes arachidonic acid (AA), a key player in inflammatory pathways.

Diets heavy in omega-6 fatty acids have been linked to chronic inflammation and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. This study provides valuable insight into this connection.

A Closer Look at Colorectal Tumors

Researchers conducted a study using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to analyze lipids in the colon tumors of 81 individuals and the normal mucosa of 81 healthy individuals.

The cancerous tumors were found to be rich in molecules that promote inflammation, specifically those derived from AA, and lacked adequate mediators that resolve inflammation and promote healing.

“A human’s immune system can be extremely powerful and drastically impact the tumor microenvironment, which is great if harnessed correctly for health and wellness,” Yeatman says. “But not if it’s suppressed by inflammatory lipids from processed foods. “

Hope for the Future: Restoring Balance

This research opens up exciting possibilities for treatment. Encouraging patients to consume an unprocessed diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and specialized pro-resolving mediators found in fish oil could help restore the crucial balance of lipids in the body, potentially mitigating inflammation and helping the body fight cancer.

The immune system’s potential in treating colorectal cancer is immense, and further research may unlock similar avenues for other cancer types.

This study was published in the journal Gut.

Take Control of Your Health

Reduce your risk of colorectal cancer by making healthy dietary choices. Start incorporating more unprocessed foods, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, into your diet and minimize your intake of ultra-processed foods. Remember, small changes can make a big difference!