People who eat a lot of ultra-processed foods have a 17% higher chance of developing high-risk colorectal polyps, even when processed meats are not counted, indicating that other ingredients in these foods may play a role in this risk.

Eating certain types of ultra-processed foods, such as packaged snacks, ready-to-eat meats, and fatty condiments, is linked to a higher chance of developing high-risk polyps in the colon, which can be precursors to colorectal cancer.

Eating ultra-processed foods may increase the risk of developing colorectal polyps even after accounting for factors like poor diet, obesity, and low fiber intake, indicating that the processing of the food itself could play a direct role in this process.

People who eat more ultra-processed foods have a higher likelihood of developing two types of precancerous growths in the colon, even when accounting for other dietary factors and body weight.

Eating more processed red meat — like bacon or hot dogs — is linked to a higher chance of getting a certain type of colon cancer, especially if you've been eating it for years. Cutting back could help lower your risk.

Eating a lot of processed meats like bacon or sausages is strongly linked to a higher chance of getting serious diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart problems, and even dying earlier.