Sausages, Sodas, and Cancer: Ultra-Processed Foods May Be Linked to Higher Lung Cancer Risk - Video

A high intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, according to new research published in thejournal Thorax. While further studies are needed to confirm the findings across diverse populations, the researchers suggest that reducing consumption of these foods may help curb the global burden of lung cancer.

Lung cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with an estimated 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths reported in 2020 alone. Ultra-processed foods which are industrially manufactured, contain multiple additives, and are typically ready-to-eat or heat have already been linked to several chronic health issues. The current study sought to explore whether ultra-processed foods consumption could also be tied to lung cancer.

Researchers analyzed data from the U.S. Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trials, which enrolled 155,000 participants aged 55 to 74 between 1993 and 2001. Of these, 101,732 individuals who had completed a detailed food frequency questionnaire were included in the current analysis. Foods were categorized into four groups, with particular focus on ultra-processed foods such as sour cream, cream cheese, fried foods, margarine, soft drinks, pizza, and hot dogs.

Participants were followed for an average of 12 years, during which 1,706 cases of lung cancer were diagnosed the majority being non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Those with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods were 41% more likely to develop lung cancer than those with the lowest intake, even after adjusting for potential confounders like smoking and overall diet quality. Specifically, high ultra-processed foods consumption was linked to a 37% higher risk of non-small cell lung cancer and a 44% increased risk of small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

“This is an observational study, and as such, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect,” the researchers cautioned. However, they highlighted the poor nutritional profile of ultra-processed foods and the harmful substances they can contain. “Industrial processing alters the food matrix, affecting nutrient availability and absorption, while also generating harmful contaminants.”

The study concludes: “If causality is established, limiting trends of ultra-processed foods intake globally could contribute to reducing the burden of lung cancer.”

Reference: Wang K, Zhao J, Yang D, et al Association between ultra-processed food consumption and lung cancer risk: a population-based cohort study Thorax Published Online First: 29 July 2025. doi: 10.1136/thorax-2024-222100