Ultraprocessed foods (UPFs), now dominant in global diets, pose health risks that go beyond poor nutrition due to the synergistic effects of compounds in their ultracomplex industrial formulations. This narrative review aims to provide researchers and health professionals in the field of cancer with updated and critical information, as they are often unaware of the complex and evolving evidence linking UPFs to carcinogenesis. The review discusses potential mechanisms through which UPFs may contribute to cancer development, including harmful additives, neo-formed contaminants, and packaging-derived substances, as well as the displacement of protective nutrients found in whole foods. Despite limitations in establishing direct causality, epidemiological studies consistently associate high UPF intake with increased incidence of various cancers, notably colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancers. These findings reflect a broader paradigm shift in nutritional epidemiology, recognizing that food processing is an essential dimension of diet-related health risks. To mitigate the impact of UPFs, the review emphasizes the need for preventive strategies that integrate clear dietary guidelines, regulatory measures on food labeling and additives, and public education campaigns. Successful international experiences in regulating marketing and improving transparency serve as important references. Moreover, eliminating corporate influence and conflicts of interest is crucial to ensure that public health, rather than industry agendas, guides nutrition policy. As scientific research advances to clarify the mechanisms of action and synergistic effects of harmful compounds in UPFs, coordinated efforts are needed to reduce their consumption and ultimately alleviate the global cancer burden.
超加工食品（UPFs）已在全球饮食中占据主导地位，其超复杂工业配方中化合物的协同效应所带来的健康风险已远超营养不良范畴。本综述旨在为癌症领域的研究人员和卫生专业人员提供最新且具有批判性的信息，因为他们往往未能充分认识到超加工食品与致癌作用之间复杂且不断演变的证据关联。文章探讨了超加工食品可能促进癌症发展的潜在机制，包括有害添加剂、新形成污染物、包装衍生物质，以及全食物中保护性营养素的替代问题。尽管在建立直接因果关系方面存在局限，流行病学研究一致表明，高摄入超加工食品与多种癌症发病率上升相关，尤其是结直肠癌、乳腺癌和胰腺癌。这些发现反映了营养流行病学领域更广泛的范式转变，即认识到食品加工是饮食相关健康风险的重要维度。为减轻超加工食品的影响，本文强调需要制定综合性预防策略，包括明确的膳食指南、食品标签和添加剂的监管措施以及公众教育宣传。国际上在规范营销和提高透明度方面的成功经验具有重要参考价值。此外，必须消除企业影响和利益冲突，以确保公共卫生而非行业议程能够指导营养政策。随着科学研究不断深入阐明超加工食品中有害化合物的作用机制和协同效应，需要采取协调行动减少其消费，最终减轻全球癌症负担。
Ultraprocessed Food and Risk of Cancer: Mechanistic Pathways and Public Health Implications
肿瘤(癌症)患者之家