Researchers tracked 206,248 adults for 24 to 28 years. Men who reported eating the most ultra-processed foods overall had a 29 percent higher risk of colorectal cancer than men who ate the least. But:

• no higher risk overall was seen in women,
• ready-to-eat meats, poultry, and seafood were linked to a higher risk only in men, 
• sugary drinks were linked to a higher risk only in men,
• ready-to-eat mixed dishes were linked to a higher risk only in women, and
• yogurt and dairy-based desserts were linked to a lower risk only in women. 

What to do

Don’t assume that ultra-processed foods cause disease based on studies that lump food groups together. And something else about ultra-processed-food eaters may explain their higher risks.