Medical News Today (MNT)Could Taking Fish Oil Supplements Help Lower Cancer Risk?

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A large-scale study from the University of Georgia analyzing data from more than 250,000 UK Biobank participants over 10 years reveals significant associations between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid levels and cancer risk reduction. The research provides objective biomarker measurements of fatty acid levels, showing varying protective effects across different cancer types and demographic groups.

Key Points:

• Participants with high omega-3 levels demonstrated lower rates of digestive system cancers (colon and stomach) and lung cancer
• Higher omega-6 levels correlated with decreased risk in 14 of 19 studied cancer types, including brain, thyroid, kidney, bladder, lung, pancreatic, and colon cancers
• The protective effects of omega-3 were stronger in younger individuals and women, while omega-6’s protective associations were more pronounced in older adults, men, and current smokers
• An exception emerged with prostate cancer, showing positive associations with omega-3 levels, though the underlying mechanism remains unknown
• Study participants with the highest levels of omega-3 or omega-6 showed 20% lower cancer mortality compared to those with the lowest levels

“Our study painted a big picture about the protective associations of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with cancer incidence, including overall cancer and 14 out of 19 specific cancer types. In general, these findings support the increased intake of unsaturated fats — that is, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids — to reduce cancer risk.”
– Kaixiong ‘Calvin’ Ye, PhD

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