Fish Oil Reduces Breast Cancer Risk in Obese Women

A new study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that women who were obese and who took 4 gms of fish oil per day had a lower risk of breast cancer.(1) This study looked at women who had an increased risk of breast cancer due to increased breast density.  Other research has shown that women with dense breasts have a four- to sixfold increased risk of developing breast cancer.

It was found that those women who were obese and who took fish oil had a reduction in their breast density.  In particular, the researchers found that those with higher blood levels of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in particular was associated with breast density reduction and thus reduced risk of estrogen receptor negative breast cancer. Fish oil contains both EPA and DHA, which are both omega 3 fatty acids. This study reinforces other research showing that fish oil supplements reduce breast cancer risk.(2) In the VITAL study, women who were taking fish oil supplements had a 32% reduced risk of breast cancer. Keep in mind that they were taking 4 grams per day, which is anywhere from 4 to 8 fish oil capsules daily, or even 16 capsules if krill oil. Taking 1 capsule per day will not get you these results.

 

References:

1. Sandhu N, Schetter SE, Liao J, et al. Influence of obesity on breast density reduction by omega-3 fatty acids: Evidence from a randomized clinical trial.  Cancer prevention Research. Published online first December 29, 2015.
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