Eating Ultra-Processed Foods May Raise Death Risk for Cancer Survivors

A Healthline study of over 24,000 adults in southern Italy found that cancer survivors who ate the most ultra-processed foods had about 48% higher risk of death from any cause and 57% higher risk of death from cancer, compared with those who ate the least. The researchers link this to increased inflammation and resting heart rate, and emphasize that overall dietary patterns matter more than individual foods. The study is observational and cannot prove causation, but experts advocate reducing ultra-processed foods in favor of fresh, minimally processed meals.