Rising colon cancer among the young linked to ultra-processed foods and improved treatments

New research links increased consumption of ultra-processed foods to a surge in colon cancer among younger populations, while advances in immunotherapy offer hope for improved outcomes. Addressing dietary risks, genetic factors, and food accessibility remains vital in combating this rising public health threat.

Colon cancer rates have been rising alarmingly among younger populations, a trend that experts increasingly link to dietary factors, particularly the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Recent research, including a large-scale study analysed by the Colon Cancer Foundation, points to diets high in ultra-processed foods — such as red and processed meats — as significantly elevating the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study, which surveyed over 200,000 participants across three prospective cohorts in the United States, found a 29% greater risk of CRC among those with the highest intake of these foods compared to those with the lowest consumption. The mechanisms behind this association appear to involve harmful alterations in the gut microbiota and increased obesity risk, both factors known to contribute to CRC development.

Further research from the University of South Florida and Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute adds biological plausibility by demonstrating how ultra-processed food consumption sparks chronic inflammation. This persistent inflammatory state debilitates the body’s natural healing processes and creates an environment conducive to tumour growth in the colon. The inflammation observed in patients with unhealthy diets was also detected in their colon tumours, underlining the role of diet-induced inflammation in cancer progression.

Ultra-processed foods, often loaded with artificial additives, preservatives, sugars, and unhealthy fats, disrupt healthy gut bacteria, exacerbating inflammation and potentially driving carcinogenic processes according to health experts. Guidelines increasingly recommend limiting these foods to reduce the risk of CRC and other related diseases.

However, while dietary factors are paramount, other causes of colon cancer should not be overlooked. Personal accounts, such as that shared by Sian Phillips from London, highlight the crucial role of genetics and early detection. Diagnosed with colon cancer at 43 due to a genetic deficiency, Phillips underscores that her cancer was not caused by diet but a hereditary condition that made her eligible for cutting-edge immunotherapy. Her experience poignantly reveals how important vigilance and persistence are in early diagnosis, especially since her only symptom was iron deficiency — a sign often dismissed or overlooked, particularly in younger people and women. Phillips calls for greater awareness among both patients and healthcare providers about the symptoms and the imperative for timely testing, including iron and stool tests, to facilitate early intervention and improve prognoses.

The promise of immunotherapy in treating certain types of colon cancer is a significant development in oncology. A recent clinical trial presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting illustrated that combining Roche’s immunotherapy drug Tecentriq with chemotherapy after surgery could reduce cancer recurrence and mortality by 50% in patients with stage 3 colon cancer characterised by deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR)—a genetic defect affecting approximately 15% of colon cancer cases. This breakthrough offers hope for improved survival rates and personalised treatment strategies.

Despite the strong scientific consensus on the risks posed by ultra-processed foods, the context of food insecurity complicates public health messaging. The Guardian letter from Aisling Spain in Belfast raises a critical point about affordability and accessibility. With UK food prices having surged by 37% between January 2020 and July 2025, many people face harsh economic realities that make ultra-processed foods the only viable option. Indeed, government-reported data from the Trussell Trust indicates that over 14 million individuals experienced food insecurity in 2024 alone. Spain argues that simply urging healthier eating while costs rise amounts to a “patronising tax” on the most vulnerable populations. Instead, she advocates for policies aimed at reducing the cost of healthy food to genuinely empower responsible dietary choices.

In summary, the complex challenge of combating the rise in colon cancer involves addressing the dietary risks associated with ultra-processed foods alongside recognising genetic factors and expanding access to advanced treatments like immunotherapy. Equally crucial is ensuring early detection and supporting equitable access to affordable, nutritious food, thus creating a holistic approach to tackling this public health threat.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative presents recent findings on the link between ultra-processed foods and colorectal cancer, with references to studies published in 2024 and 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is from 2022, indicating that the topic has been under discussion for some time. The report includes updated data, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([sciencedaily.com](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241210115102.htm?utm_source=openai)) The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. ([coloncancerfoundation.org](https://coloncancerfoundation.org/ultra-processed-foods-a-risk-factor-for-colorectal-cancer/?utm_source=openai)) However, the inclusion of updated data may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([sciencedaily.com](https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/12/241210115102.htm?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score:
9

Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from Sian Phillips, a London resident diagnosed with colon cancer at 43. A search for the earliest known usage of these quotes reveals no matches, suggesting they are potentially original or exclusive content. This originality enhances the credibility of the report.

Source reliability

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative originates from The Guardian, a reputable organisation known for its journalistic standards. This strengthens the reliability of the report.

Plausability check

Score:
8

Notes:
The narrative presents plausible claims supported by recent studies linking ultra-processed food consumption to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The inclusion of personal accounts, such as that of Sian Phillips, adds depth and human interest to the report. However, the report lacks specific factual anchors in some areas, which could reduce the score and flag it as potentially synthetic. Additionally, the tone is consistent with typical journalistic language, and the structure is focused on the main topic without excessive or off-topic detail.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is based on a reputable source, includes original quotes, and presents plausible claims supported by recent studies. While there are minor concerns regarding the freshness of some content and the inclusion of personal accounts without specific factual anchors, these do not significantly undermine the overall credibility of the report.