Young Cancer Cases on the Rise: Is Junk Food + Sedentary Life to Blame?

Experts

believe that even though genetics and environmental factors play a major role, emerging research strongly points toward two major drivers linked to modern living. “Our dependence on ultra-processed foods and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle are major factors,” Dr Liza Bulsara, Paediatric Hematologist, Oncologist, Ruby Hall Clinic, told Times Now.

What is the problem with processed food?

According to Dr Balsara, the diets followed by youngsters today are totally dominated by ultra-processed foods - packaged snacks, sugary drinks, instant meals, and fast food. “Convenient and tempting as they are, these foods come with a hidden cost - they are typically high in unhealthy fats, refined sugars, salt, and chemical additives that the body struggles to process,” she said.

How is it connected with cancer?

Multiple studies have shown that high consumption of UPFs is associated with an increased risk of several cancers - most notably colorectal, pancreatic, and stomach cancers, which are rising sharply among younger adults. Emerging evidence also links UPFs to elevated risks of breast and lung cancers. Most of these are strongly linked to diet and metabolic health. Increasing cases of thyroid, breast, kidney, and endometrial cancers are also being reported in people under 40. Doctors say most young adults often dismiss early warning signs like fatigue, digestive issues, and unexplained weight gain—blaming stress or lifestyle, which leads to delayed diagnosis.

How do processed foods trigger cancer?

Obesity and hormonal imbalance

UPFs promote weight gain, and obesity is a known risk factor for at least 13 types of cancer. Excess fat disrupts hormone levels, especially estrogen and insulin, creating a biological environment where cancer can thrive.

Chronic inflammation

Diets that are high in UPFs fuel persistent, low-grade inflammation, which supports both the initiation and progression of tumours.

Gut microbiome disruption

Ultra-processed foods disturb the gut microbiota, thereby depleting beneficial bacteria that help regulate immunity and prevent carcinogenic changes in the digestive tract. In short, the modern convenience diet not only deprives the body of essential nutrients but also actively contributes to cancer development.

UPFs cause unprecedented diabetes too

Doctors are worried that apart from cancer, another pandemic-like situation can arise with the rise in the number of diabetes cases among youngsters. “What is especially worrying for India is our genetic vulnerability; we develop visceral fat and metabolic dysfunction at lower BMIs, so the same quantity of UPFs does far more harm here than in Western populations,” said Dr Vimal Pahuja, Associate Director, Internal Medicine and Metabolic Physician, Diabetes and Weight Management Clinic, Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital. According to Dr Pahuja, there is a need for stronger food policies in the country to help the younger generation get out of the “metabolic emergency. “Individual willpower is not enough. India urgently needs strong food-policy measures—front-of-pack warnings, restrictions on marketing to children, and healthier school and work-site food environments. Without structural action, this will become a full-blown metabolic emergency.” Desk jobs, remote work setups, and screen-heavy routines have created a generation that spends most of the day sitting. Even those who exercise periodically may still fall under the “active couch potato” category, who usually meet gym goals but remain inactive for most of the day.