India, Nov. 14 -- In a study of nearly 30,000 female nurses under age 50, Mass General Brigham researchers found that a high intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with increased risk of adenomas, colon polyps, which can be precursors of colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer used to be associated with old age, but diagnoses have become increasingly common in adults aged 50 or younger, particularly in high-income countries like the United States.

By analyzing the diets and endoscopy results from almost 30,000 women, the team found that study participants who reported consuming the highest levels of ultra-processed foods had a 45% higher risk of developing adenomas, which can be precursors of early-onset colorectal cancer, compared...