Studies Link Microplastics, Ultra-Processed Foods to Increased Lung Cancer Risk

Recent studies have established significant links between lung cancer and environmental as well as dietary factors. Researchers from the Medical University of Vienna found that exposure to polystyrene microplastics causes malignant changes in lung cells, such as DNA damage and oxidative stress, which are early indicators of cancer development. Parallel research from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial showed that high consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) increases the risk of lung cancer by 41%, even after adjusting for smoking and diet quality. These UPFs include items like ice cream, hamburgers, soft drinks, and processed meats, and the findings support limiting UPF intake to reduce lung cancer risk globally. Additionally, a broader analysis has indicated that respiratory diseases such as COPD and pneumonia may elevate cancer risk by promoting inflammation and cellular changes. Together, these findings underscore the importance of environmental and lifestyle factors in lung cancer prevention strategies.