Colon Cancer and Ultraprocessed Foods

Are colon cancer and ultraprocessed foods linked? What are ultraprocessed foods? According to the study linked below, yes, eating a lot of ultraprocessed foods increases your risk of colon cancer. 

What are ultraprocessed foods?

“Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations that undergo significant modifications from their original food sources. They typically contain a high proportion of added sugars, salts, unhealthy fats, and preservatives.”

I’m pretty sure that the slang term for UPF is “junk food.” Yes, junk food tastes good. However, if you want to reduce your risk of colon cancer or if you want to reduce your risk of a colon cancer relapse, research shows that you must reduce your consumption of UPF to reduce your risk of CRC. 

As a long-term cancer survivor, let me say that dieting does not work. We cancer survivors can make up our minds to eat a certain way, but in my experience, we must gradually change our eating habits to truly change our diet for the long term.

Adopt the philosophy that it is about “progress not perfection.” My diet is a lot better today than when I was first diagnosed. But it took years of progress for this to happen.