Study Aims
1. Identify metabolomic profiles and proteomics associated with dietary intake, including:
a. Ultra-processed foods
b. Unprocessed/minimally processed foods
c. Diabetes risk reduction score (DRRS)
2. Assess the associations of identified metabolomic profiles and proteomics with cancer risk, overall and by specific types:
a. Ultra-processed food-related metabolomic profiles and proteomics with overall cancer, breast, prostate, colon,, ovarian, lung, and other cancer risk
b. Unprocessed/minimally processed food-related metabolomic profiles and proteomics with overall and site-specific cancer risk
c. DRRS-related metabolomic profiles and proteomics and overall and site-specific cancer risk
3. Examine the effect modification by smoking- and obesity-related metabolites on the associations of metabolomic profiles with cancer risk.
This study aims to identify metabolomic profiles and proteomics related to ultra-processed, unprocessed/minimally processed foods, and DRRS in individuals without cancer. For ultra-processed foods, we will consider metabolites from both plant and animal sources. We will then assess how these profiles are associated with cancer risk, including overall cancer risk and risk for breast, prostate, colorectal, ovarian, and lung cancers. We hypothesize that metabolomic profiles and proteomics of ultra-processed foods are linked to higher cancer risk, while DRRS profiles are associated with lower cancer risk.
Additionally, we will explore the role of smoking- and obesity-related metabolites in modifying these associations. The analysis will account for potential cancer risk factors such as physical activity, medication use, family history of a cancer, other diseases, and demographic characteristics.
