Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Higher Risk of Colorectal Cancer

A new study by researchers at the University of South Florida (USF) and Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Cancer Institute has uncovered a connection between the Western diet—rich in ultra-processed foods and unhealthy oils—and chronic inflammation, a key contributor to tumor growth.

This research, supported by a $3.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health, delves into how processed foods impair the body’s natural healing processes. The study's findings, published in the journal Gut, underscore how modern dietary habits could be hindering the immune system’s ability to combat cancer.

“It is well known that patients with unhealthy diets have increased inflammation in their bodies,” said Timothy Yeatman, MD, FACS, a surgeon and researcher at the TGH Cancer Institute. “We now see this inflammation in the colon tumors themselves, and cancer is like a chronic wound that won’t heal – if your body is living off of daily ultra-processed foods, its ability to heal that wound decreases due to the inflammation and suppression of the immune system that ultimately allows the cancer to grow.”

According to the authors, this study adds to the growing understanding that the Western diet's excessive sugars, saturated fats, and inflammatory seed oils create a biochemical environment conducive to chronic inflammation, which can fuel not only colorectal cancer but also other conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders.

The research team focused on bioactive lipids, tiny molecules derived from dietary fats, which play a pivotal role in regulating inflammation. “Bioactive lipids are very small molecules derived from the foods that we eat and, if the molecules are coming from processed food products, they directly imbalance the immune system and drive chronic inflammation,” explained Dr. Ganesh Halade, PhD, associate professor at the USF Health Heart Institute.

Using advanced analytical methods, the team analyzed 162 tumor samples, revealing a disproportionate presence of inflammation-promoting lipids and a deficiency of lipids that aid healing. These findings highlight the potential of “resolution medicine,” a strategy that restores balance in the diet to combat disease.

According to researchers, resolution medicine seeks to reverse inflammation using whole, unprocessed foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and derivatives of fish oil called specialized pro-resolving mediators. Combined with balanced sleep and regular exercise, this approach could enhance the body’s natural defenses against cancer.

“A human’s immune system can be extremely powerful and drastically impact the tumor microenvironment, which is great if harnessed correctly for health and wellness,” said Dr. Yeatman. “But not if it’s suppressed by inflammatory lipids from processed foods.”

Early trials at TGH Cancer Institute using fish oil derivatives have shown promise in addressing inflammation at its root cause, paving the way for integrative strategies that prioritize prevention and natural healing over pharmaceutical interventions.

For integrative practitioners, these findings reinforce the importance of dietary interventions as part of a holistic approach to cancer prevention and management. By emphasizing nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods and supporting lifestyle changes that promote immune health, practitioners can play a critical role in helping patients mitigate their cancer risk.

“This has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment, moving beyond drugs to harness natural healing processes,” Dr. Yeatman said. “It’s a vital step toward addressing chronic inflammation and preventing diseases before they start.”