Lung cancer was long understood as an illness mainly related to smoking. As smoking continues to be the top risk factor worldwide, research indicates lifestyle factors, including diet among other options, may change an individual’s lung cancer development. Concerns about processed and ultra-processed foods (UPF) have increased, emphasising the need to study their effects on health.
In many countries UPFs, such as packaged snacks, soft drinks, instant noodles and processed meats are consumed on a daily basis. These foods are typically high in added sugars, salt, preservatives and unhealthy fats but low in fibre and important nutrients. Such dietary disruption can activate biochemical processes that help promote cancer.
Dr Atul Narayankar, Consultant Oncologist M|O|C Ghatkopar, told Moneycontrol that India is polluted and people are exposed to such pollution either via inhalation or consumption of food grown in polluted areas along with second-hand smoke: The level of risk in them would be further higher due to these exposures from their diet. With more people being diagnosed with lung cancer who have never smoked, it is important to investigate how everyday diet can interact with other risk factors related to genetics and the environment."
Processed and Ultra-processed Foods: What Are They?
All processed foods are not created equal. Relatively unprocessed foods like canned vegetables or salted nuts still have most of their nutrients intact. On the other hand, ultra-processed foods are heavily processed products that include:
- Packaged baked goods
- Frozen ready meals
- Sugary soft drinks
- Instant noodles
- Processed meats
They are convenient and tasty foods, but they usually lack nutrition.
Diet Associated with Lung Cancer
Research is mounting to suggest that UPFs and red or processed meats play a role in lung cancer risk:
US PLCO Cancer Screening Trial: After following more than 100,00 adults for 12 years researchers found those with the highest UPF consumption had a 41% increased risk of lung cancer.
Processed Meats: Meta Analyses Several studies document the risk of lung cancer is increased when eating processed meats.
Non-smoker evidence: A total of 14 observational studies that met the criteria established for this meta-analysis was found, and high intake of red meat was shown to increase lung cancer risk by 24% even in non–smokers.
The Indian Context
A study by the Tata Memorial Centre said that more than 50 percent of lung cancer cases were reportedly found in non-smoker patients. In addition to smoking, other factors including air pollution, passive smoke (second-hand), and occupational exposure are major causes.
On the nutrient front, one study from the Himalayan region concluded non-vegetarians, and specifically red meat consumers, were more prone to lung cancer compared with vegetarians. Although there are only sparse data from the Indian subcontinent, it suggests that synergistic effects of food habits may increase the risk further.
How Serious Is the Risk?
Diet is just one piece of the puzzle but its role is growing as lifestyles evolve. As India develops a taste for packaged food, both urban and rural populations could potentially be threatened by increasing long-term risks. In combination with air pollution and environmental exposures, diet could be an occult trigger.
Prevention and Practical Steps
To mitigate the risk for themselves and policymakers there should be a focus on:
Opting for fresh, whole foods – fruits and vegetables, pulses, whole grains.
Avoiding processed meats and sugary drinks — such as sausages, deli meats, sodas and packaged snacks.
Learning to read food labels – don’t eat preservatives such as nitrites, nitrates and feed grains.
Policy changes – taxes, regulations and education campaigns to lower UPF consumption.
Encouraging traditional diets — fresh home-cooked meals made with Indian spices, which are often natural antioxidants.
FAQ on diet and cancer risk
Q: What are ultra-processed foods?
A: Ultra-processed foods are products that undergo significant processing, typically containing high levels of added sugars, salt, preservatives, and unhealthy fats while lacking fibre and essential nutrients.
Q: How do ultra-processed foods affect lung cancer risk?
A: Research indicates that consuming ultra-processed foods may disrupt dietary balance and activate biochemical processes that promote cancer, increasing the risk of lung cancer.
Q: Can non-smokers get lung cancer from their diet?
A: Yes, studies have shown that high intake of red meat and ultra-processed foods can increase lung cancer risk even among non-smokers.
Q: What steps can be taken to reduce lung cancer risk from diet?
A: To mitigate risk, opt for fresh, whole foods, avoid processed meats and sugary drinks, learn to read food labels, and support policy changes that reduce UPF consumption.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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