Colon cancer: the risks of ultra-processed foods and the need for early detection | Letters

The article discusses the issue of colon cancer, particularly the rise in incidence among younger people. It responds to an article by Devi Sridhar, which attributed the increase to the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The author, Sian Phillips, was diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 43. While she does not dispute Sridhar's findings, she states that in her case, the cancer was not caused by consuming ultra-processed foods. Instead, she had a genetic deficiency that made her eligible for immunotherapy treatment, which, along with surgery, led to a full recovery. The article emphasizes the need for early detection and the importance of understanding the various risk factors, including genetic predisposition, in addition to dietary factors. It highlights the complexity of the issue and the need for a nuanced approach to addressing the rise in colon cancer cases, particularly among younger individuals.