Study: Fish Oil Could Prevent Breast Cancer

A new study suggests that fish oil supplements could give women a one-third greater chance of avoiding breast cancer.

According to a report in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, the new evidence adds to growing evidence that fish oil and other omega-3 fatty acids may play a key role in preventing disease.

Scientists from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Wash., watched 35,016 postmenopausal women with no history of breast cancer for six years. After those six years, researchers said 880 of those women developed breast cancer.

The researchers reported that the women who said they regularly took fish oil supplements -- containing high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA -- saw a 32 percent reduced risk of breast cancer.

They said the reduction looked to be restricted to the most common type of breast cancer: invasive ductal breast cancer.

Research leader Dr. Emily White said that the study is the first to demonstrate a link between the use of fish oil supplements and a reduction in breast cancer. But she said that more research into how much omega-3 fatty acid is needed and how it is best metabolized.

"Without confirming studies specifically addressing this," White said, "we should not draw any conclusions about a causal relationship."

Fish oil continues to excite many researchers -- and supplement makers -- as evidence emerges about its protective effect on cardiovascular disease, and now cancer.