What are omega-3 fatty acids? Can they help prevent cancer?

Cancers treated or prevented: Colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer

Delivery routes: Oral by food, capsule, or liquid

How this substance works: Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to play an important role in cognitive and behavioral functions, as well as normal growth and development. Research indicates that these acids are important in numerous physiological functions, particularly muscle contraction and relaxation, movement of calcium and other material into and out of cells, regulation of blood clotting, and secretion of substances including hormones and digestive enzymes. They also play a role in controlling cell division and fertility, indicating their possible importance in protection against certain types of cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids seem to reduce inflammation and retard tumor growth. On the other hand, omega-6 fatty acids, which are found in sunflower oil, safflower oil, and most saturated fats and vegetable oils, promote inflammation and feed tumor growth. An appropriate balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is necessary to promote good health.

Some research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids help to prevent certain chronic diseases, including heart disease and some cancers. EPA appears to be important in cancer prevention by affecting the production of cytokines and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Other research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids may play an adverse role in treating some cancers. If the latter is true, then these acids still play an indirect role in cancer prevention if cold-water fish, such as salmon, halibut, and tuna, are substituted for red and processed meats, which are known to increase the risk of colon and prostate cancers.

Side effects: The consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and cancer incidence have had unfavorable associations in some case studies. One study on skin cancer and another on lung cancer showed that these fatty acids increased the risk for developing these cancers. A study on prostate cancer showed that ALA increased its risk, while EPA and DHA reduced the risk. A 2013 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute also found that prostate cancer, especially aggressive prostate cancer, was associated with higher intakes of oily fish and fish oil supplements. More specific case studies need to be conducted in order to build a significant statistical database.

Bibliography

Calviello, Gabriella, and Simona Serini, eds. Dietary Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Cancer. Dordrecht: Springer, 2010. Print.

De Meester, Fabien, Ronald Watson, and Sherma Zibadi, eds. Omega-6/3 Fatty Acids: Functions, Sustainability Strategies and Perspectives. New York: Springer, 2012. Print.

"Fish Oil." MedlinePlus. US Natl. Lib. of Medicine, 21 Aug. 2014. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.

"Omega-3 Fatty Acids." Cancer.org. Amer. Cancer Soc., 17 Jan. 2013. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.

"Omega-3 Supplements: An Introduction." National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Natl. Inst. of Health, US Dept. of Health and Human Services, June 2013. Web. 12 Nov. 2014.

Simon, Stacy. "Omega-3 Fatty Acids Linked to Increase in Prostate Cancer Risk." Cancer.org. Amer. Cancer Soc., 17 July 2013. Web. 17 Nov. 2014.