Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Oncologist Names Seven Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Colorectal Cancer
An oncologist named seven kinds of packaged foods that she says may be linked with a higher chance of colorectal cancer.
These include some flavoured or ready-to-eat products.
The article says research has found an association between eating more ultra-processed foods and colorectal cancer risk.
An association does not mean that one particular food causes cancer.
Many of the listed products can contain added sugar, salt, fats, or other ingredients.
The oncologist suggests choosing simpler alternatives, like plain oats or milk.
She also recommends eating fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
She says your overall eating pattern matters more than any single food.
The article advises readers to consult a medical professional for personal health advice.
Oncologist Dr. Vartika Vishwani says higher consumption of ultra-processed foods may be associated with increased colorectal cancer risk.
The article cites research reporting a 4% rise in colorectal cancer risk for every 10% increase in ultra-processed foods’ share of a person’s diet.
Foods listed include processed cheese, flavoured oats, flavoured peanut butter, flavoured yogurt, 3-in-1 coffee, flavoured milk, and packaged ready-to-eat parathas and vegetables.
Suggested alternatives include plain or minimally processed versions, such as plain oats, 100% peanut butter, dahi, plain milk, and fresh or plain frozen vegetables.
Vishwani recommends an overall diet featuring fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and minimally processed foods.
- Who
- Oncologist Dr. Vartika Vishwani.
- What
- She listed seven ultra-processed foods that may be associated with colorectal cancer risk and suggested less processed alternatives.
- When
- The article does not specify when her Instagram post was published.
- Where
- Vishwani shared the list in an Instagram post; the article does not specify a location.
- Why
- She says many of the listed foods contain added sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, or refined ingredients and are low in fibre.
- Foods listed
- Cheese slices or spreads; flavoured instant oats; commercial flavoured peanut butter; flavoured yogurt; 3-in-1 premix coffee; flavoured milk; packaged ready-to-eat parathas and vegetables.
- Research figure cited
- The article reports a 4% increase in colorectal cancer risk for every 10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed foods in a person's diet.
- Suggested dietary choices
- Vegetables and fruits, whole grains, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and minimally processed foods.
- Examples of alternatives
- Plain paneer, plain oats, 100% peanut butter, dahi, 100% coffee, plain milk, and fresh or plain frozen vegetables.
- Vishwani's qualification
- She says this does not mean people need to avoid every packaged food.
- Medical disclaimer
- The article says its content is general information, not a substitute for qualified medical advice.