Image
© Jose Conejo Saenz Stock.Xchng 689649Fish oil supplements may reduce the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
A recent report published in the July, 2010 issue of the journal of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention, and reported July 8, 2010, showed evidence that fish oil supplements may help lower the risk of developing breast cancer. This is yet more evidence that fish oil may play a role in preventing a chronic disease.

Study on Specialty Supplements and Breast Cancer

Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, WA, led by Emily White, Ph.D. had 35,015 women who were postmenopausal and had no history of breast cancer fill out a questioner about their use of specialty supplements that were not vitamins or minerals. Six years later, 880 cases of breast cancer had been identified throughout the time period on the group of women. The study found that women who took fish oil supplements had a 32 percent reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer, mainly invasive ductal breast cancer, which is the most common form of breast cancer.

White believes that the fish oil supplements may have been effective because the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the supplements are much higher that the amount most people would normally receive from their diet. However, she cautions people not to get too excited by the findings of this one study. White feels that more studies need to be made before it can be conclusive that fish oil supplements can reduce breast cancer risk.

Fish Oil Facts

Fish oil has been touted for its many health benefits for the past several years due to its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. Two other types of fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentanoid acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid), are also thought to be important components in fish oil's health benefits. While all of these important fatty acids can be derived from eating fresh cold-water fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, most people do not eat enough fish to enjoy the benefits. This is why fish oil supplements have become so popular.

Fish oil comes in liquid form or gel capsule form, generally in doses of 1,000 milligrams. It is important to read the label as the dose amount may not reflect the amount of DHA and EPA in each capsule. It is recommended to take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of fish oil each day. Side-effects are few, but fish oil can cause belching in some people. It is recommended to take fish oil with a meal to reduce this from occuring. Fish oil also has a blood-thinning effect, so people who are on an aspirin regiment or taking a prescription blood thinner should talk to their doctor before trying fish oil supplements.

Fish oil has been found to treat many health concerns from arthritis to high blood pressure and even Lupus, and now preventing breast cancer may soon be placed on its list of health benefits. With so many health benefits and so few side-effects, taking fish oil supplements is a safe way to ensure a healthier body.

Sources:

Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention Journal "Specialty Supplements and Breast Cancer Risk in the VITamins And Lifestyle (VITAL) Cohort"

ScienceDaily.com "Fish Oil May Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer"

The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies by Mark Stengler, ND
Pages 179-186. Prentice Hall Press 2001 & 2010