Eating ultra-processed food (UPFs) has already been linked to 32 harmful effects to health, including a raised risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and early death.Now, another study has linked a higher intake of ultra-processed food to an increased risk of lung cancer.Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world. It’s the third most common cancer in the UK, with around 49,000 people diagnosed each year.Previous research has noted a “significant association” between intake of UPF and the risk of several cancers, including colorectal, breast and pancreatic cancer.Here’s what you need to know about the latest study.First up, what is ultra-processed food?Ultra-processed food typically undergoes multiple processing steps and contains long lists of additives and preservatives. It’s often ready-to-eat or heat.Examples include ham, mass-produced bread, cereal, crisps and biscuits.It’s thought more than half of the typical British daily diet is made up of ultra-processed food. But not all of these foods are terrible news – yoghurt and high-fibre cereals, for instance, can form a part of a healthy diet.