A new study from Mass General Brigham researchers has found that women under 50 who eat high amounts of ultra-processed foods face a significantly greater risk of developing precancerous colon growths, shedding light on a possible dietary factor behind the alarming rise in early-onset colorectal cancer.

The rise in early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) has occurred alongside a growing consumption of ultra-processed foods — ready-to-eat products that are often high in sugar, salt, fat, and additives.

Researchers had previously found a link between these foods and colorectal cancer in general, but this is the first study to connect them specifically to early-onset cases.

Methodology:

The study used data from the Nurses’ Health Study II, which has tracked the health of women born between

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