https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5958-7278
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Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent and the second fatal cancer in the world. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are suggested to be related to various non-communicable diseases including cancers. However, studies on the relationship between UPFs and CRC are scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the association between consumption of UPFs and CRC. In a case-control study conducted in four hospitals in Tehran, Iran, consumption of UPFs in 71 CRC patients and 142 controls (patients with non-neoplastic diseases) were compared. Using 125-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, dietary intakes were assessed. We used Multivariate logistic regression to estimate the association between UPFs intake and risk of CRC. Intake of nondairy beverages (P = 0.009), processed meat and fast food (P = 0.04) was significantly higher in those in the highest tertile of UPFs intake compared to the lowest tertile. In addition, intake of UPFs was associated with higher risk of CRC. The association remained constant after adjustment for BMI, income, smoking, type of job, educational level, and physical activity (OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.44–7.61; P = 0.003). Results of this study indicate that the intake of UPFs is associated with increased odds of CRC.
Acknowledgments
We sincerely thank all field investigators, staff, and participants of the present study. This study was supported by a grant from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IRAN.
Authors’ Contributions
F.J., S.Y and M.N; Contributed to writing the first draft. E.T, A.R and F.J; Contributed to all data and statistical analysis, and interpretation of data. Z.S and B.R.; Contributed to the research concept, supervised the work and revised the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Disclosure Statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Funding
The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.