1 / 8Eating too many burgers, chips and pizzas is causing an increase in bowel cancer deaths among younger people, according to a new study2 / 8 Despite cancer mortality rates dropping overall, figures show more middle aged people are dying from the disease than ever before. 3 / 8Now, scientists have described the phenomenon as a 'frightening anomaly' and blamed it on the consumption of high fat foods. The research found high fat foods fuel tumours by upsetting the balance of bile acids in the intestine.4 / 8The findings published in Cell may explain why bowel cancer deaths are being seen more commonly in the 'junk food generation'.5 / 8Professor Ronald Evans, a biologist at the Salk Institute, La Jolla, California, said: 'This study provides a new way to lower inflammation, restore intestinal health and to dramatically reduce tumour progression.'6 / 8Ultra-processed food, which also includes ready meals, frozen pizza, and sweetened breakfast cereals, can all contribute to a person's risk, researchers have said.7 / 8A group of researchers in the US examined examined men and women participants for 24 to 28 years, and during this time, some 3,216 cases of bowel cancer were identified.8 / 8The researchers used data on cases and diets to determine risk for bowel cancer, and found that men who ate the most ultra-processed food were the most at risk.They also found that higher consumption of ready meals which contained meat, poultry or seafood led to an increased risk for men.