UK diet is fuelling cancer risk finds major study - foods to watch out for explained

Experts have issued warnings over ultra-processed foods
Experts have issued warnings over ultra-processed foods
Anthony Devlin
Ben Chapman

By Ben Chapman


Published: 01/02/2023

- 16:01

The nation’s health appears to be put at further risk by common daily foods such as breakfast cereals, breads, snacks and convenience meals

Half the foods in the typical British diet are exacerbating the risk of cancer, according to a major study.

The nation’s health appears to be put at further risk by common daily foods such as breakfast cereals, breads, snacks and convenience meals.


Studies have previously linked mass produced “ultra-processed” foods, which contain chemicals, colourings, sweeteners and preservatives, to cancer.

Researchers claim the latest study put together by Imperial College London is the most comprehensive yet, as it tracked almost 200,000 people aged between 40 and 69 for over a decade against the risks of 34 types of cancer.

They say the findings were concerning due to the “exceptionally high” intake of processed foods in the British diet, making up around half of daily calories.

The chance of cancer rose by two per cent for every 10 per cent increase in ultra-processed food in a person’s diet.

Mass-produced breads can also be considered as ultra-processed food options
Mass-produced breads can also be considered as ultra-processed food options
Gareth Fuller

Cancer death rates were also six per cent higher as a result of this rise.

Types of cancers commonly found were breast and ovarian disease, where mortality was around 16 and 30 per cent respectively.

Researcher Dr Kiara Chang said: “The average person in the UK consumes more than half of their daily energy intake from ultra-processed foods.

“This is exceptionally high and concerning as ultra-processed foods are produced with industrially derived ingredients use food additives to adjust colour, flavour, consistency, texture or extend shelf-life.”

As it was observational research based on a recall of what people’s diets were, the study could not prove cause and effect.

A high intake of such foods could be a sign of other poor diet choices, other scientists have pointed out.

Researchers for the study, funded by Cancer Research UK and the World Cancer Research Fund, said warning labels should be placed on processed foods, and people should have to limit their intake.

They also called for an extension of the sugar tax in order to cover more processed products.

A sugar tax expansion has been advocated by some scientists
A sugar tax expansion has been advocated by some scientists
Lewis Whyld

Dietary guidelines have been updated in countries such as France, Canada and Brazil for such foods, while this is not the case in the UK.

Ultra-processed foods contain chemicals that would not be added when cooking homemade food.

Mass-produced bread, ready meals, breakfast cereals, reconstituted meat products such as ham, shop-bought biscuits and sweets are often part of the category.

Heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes are conditions that have been linked to ultra-processed foods in previous studies.

The new study, published by eClinicalMedicine, used UK Biobank data to examine the diets of 197,426 people.

Their health was tracked over a decade and their risk of developing cancer or dying for it was analysed.

Dr Panagiota Mitrou, director of research and innovation at the World Cancer Research Fund, said: “The findings in this first UK study of its kind are significant as this is the most comprehensive assessment of ultra-processed foods and cancer risk.

“This adds to the growing evidence linking these foods to cancer and other health conditions.”

Dr Mitrou warned people should limit the consumption of “fast foods” and other processed foods high in fat, starches or sugars, adding: “For maximum benefit, we also recommend that you make wholegrains, vegetables, fruit and pulses a major part of your usual diet.”

You may like