Lowering Breast Cancer Risk with Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Is there Convincing Data?
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and the Anti-Inflammatory Diet
I recently gave a talk at a cancer survivors’ luncheon, and while I was discussing the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet in cancer prevention, a woman raised her hand and asked, “Does an anti-inflammatory diet lower the risk of breast cancer?” My answer was “Yes!” I proceeded to point out that while there is positive data that shows the benefits of anti-inflammatory supplements or foods containing omega-3 fatty acids in lowering breast cancer risk, they’ve occurred in animal studies.
Unit now! After some more research since that talk, I have found a few studies in humans (well, women unfortunately not men…yet!) that show the benefits of anti-inflammatory supplements in lowering breast cancer risk. And this supplement is omega-3 fatty acids. These types of fatty acids are well-known anti-inflammatory compounds that are typically found in cold-water fish, flax seeds, chia seeds, and other whole foods.
The two major components of omega-3 fatty acids that are the most studied in their role in disease prevention include:
1.Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
2. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
How Do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Lower Cancer Risk?
Inflammation and pro-inflammatory foods are top cancer risk factors, and the components of omega-3 fatty acids seem to work in lowering cancer risk through anti-inflammatory pathways. The DHA component of omega-3 fatty acids acts on the molecular level to activate an anti-inflammatory pathway known as PPAR-gamma.
DHA also acts on a cellular level by inserting itself into our cellular membranes to alter their permeability and elasticity, which appears to help in cellular health (remember, cancer begins on the cellular level).
Lowering Breast Cancer Risk with Omega 3 Fatty Acids…Is the Data Compelling?
Obesity has long been identified as a major breast cancer risk factor. As I previously discussed, high blood sugar levels lead to high levels of inflammation in the body, and obese individuals are known to have elevated levels of inflammation. Scientists believe that the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids can protect against breast cancer, however previous studies in women have shown mixed results.
The data from this study showed the following [1]:
1. Prescription omega-3 fatty acids, which contain 375 milligrams of DHA and 465 milligrams of EPA, were given to some women in this study with high breast density. High breast density is a marker for breast cancer risk. A second group of women was given the anti-estrogen drug Raloxifene, and a third group of women was given a combination of omega-3 fatty acids and Raloxifene.
2. The 266 women in this study ranged in body weight and body mass index (BMI). All women were post-menopausal.
3. After two years of taking omega-3 fatty acids, the researchers found that women with a body mass index above 29 had significantly lower breast density.
4. However, normal-weight women who were in the study did not have lower breast density after two years of omega-3 fatty acid intake.
5. While the results of this study did show a lowering of breast density (a marker for breast cancer risk) in post-menopausal women with a BMI of 29 or higher, it does not conclusively show that it lowered breast cancer risk, and more studies are warranted.
Omega 3 fatty acids are part of an anti-inflammatory diet
Thanks for reading this article, “Lowering Breast Cancer Risk with Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Is there Convincing Data?” If you have any thoughts or comments share them below.
FREE RESOURCES
Have more cancer prevention questions? We may have the answers in our free resources. Read or download them now:
1. Download the FREE eBook “HEALTHY FOOD SWAPS” if you’re ready to ditch processed and ultra-processed foods (which are linked to chronic inflammation) with healthier snack options. You’ll also get a list of healthy snacks according to weight and health goals (heart, brain focus, energy)
2. READ about the 10 foods that prevent cancer and our article on 6 Foods for Cancer Prevention
3. Read the article 4 Tips to Improve Breast Cancer Survival along with The Breast Cancer Diet that Increases Survival, then DOWNLOAD the FREE breast cancer survival kit that includes questions to ask your doctor, 8 tips to help lower your risk of a new or recurring breast cancer diagnosis, and 3 days of easy plant-based recipes.
4. Read the article Prevent a Colon Cancer Recurrence and The Optimal Colon Cancer Diet
ABOUT THE CANCER DETOX
Hi! I am Dee Grace Ph.D., scientist, author, and health coach based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Cancer Detox helps cancer patients, survivors, and those wanting to stay ahead of the curve prevent a new or recurring cancer with science-based health coaching.
Is the fear of cancer keeping you up at night? Is what you’re eating putting you at risk for cancer? What if you’re doing everything wrong and don’t even know it? Schedule a complimentary 15-min call with me to get clear on what modern, science-based prevention looks like.
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DISCLAIMER
The information in this article is for educational purposes and is not meant to treat, diagnose, or prescribe medications or herbs. For questions on the information contained in this article, please consult with your healthcare provider. This information is intended for educational purposes only, and you should consult with your healthcare provider and a licensed dietician or certified nutritionist for additional information related to the content of this article.
