Many experts believe that women who get plenty of omega-3 fatty acids in their diet over several years may have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.  In fact, fat intake has been one of the most widely studied dietary risk factors for breast cancer.   

According to the University of Maryland, “the risk of dying from breast cancer may be significantly less for those who eat large quantities of omega-3 from fish and brown kelp seaweed (common in Japan). This is particularly true among women who substitute fish for meat.” 

The American Institute for Cancer Research says, “Many studies suggest populations that eat more fish have less cancer.  The Inuit Indians, who consume an extraordinary amount of fatty fish, have less cancer than other populations. Similarly, the Japanese, for whom fish is a staple, have less breast and prostate cancer than people living on a typical western diet.  The results of such population studies sent researchers to the laboratory to see exactly what it is in fish that reduces cancer risk. Research conducted in test tubes or with laboratory animals showed that the omega-3 fatty acids, so plentiful in cold-water fish, impede the development of cancer in several ways.”

Furthermore, preliminary research from the University of California, Los Angeles, suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help maintain healthy breast tissue and prevent breast cancer.  While more studies need to be conducted, many researchers speculate that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent or aid in the treatment of breast cancer, especially when taken in combination with other nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium, and coenzyme Q10. 

Fish Oil vs. Flaxseed Oil

Fish oil contains two omega 3 fatty acids otherwise known as EPA and DHA.   The highest concentrations of these omega-3’s acids are found in coldwater fish, such as sardines, salmon, herring, tuna, cod, mackerel, and halibut.

Flaxseeds contain ALA, another type of omega 3 fatty acid that can be converted to EPA and DHA in the body, but only in very small amounts.  All three fatty acids are an essential part of any diet.  

Flaxseeds and flaxseed oil can be a good alternative to fish oils for those on vegetarian or vegan diets.  However, the lignans in flaxseed and high-lignan oil contain phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) and may not be suitable for those at risk for estrogen dependent breast cancer or for those who are estrogen dominant. 

Read more about this condition in our article: Estrogen Dominance in Women and Men. 

The best sources of omega 3’s (DHA and EPA) are from deep cold water fish, as mentioned above.  Unfortunately, eating fresh fish has become more of a health concern due to the high levels of mercury and other environmental pollutants. Research on farm-raised salmon (the most popular farm-raised fish) found that it had higher levels of toxins (other than mercury) than fish caught in the wild.  Taking fish oil supplements can help you get more omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) in your diet, especially if you do not consume fresh cold water fish and seaweeds.  However, it is important that you take a high quality fish oil that is free of contaminants, such as mercury and PCP’s.  For example, Source Naturals Arctic Pure Fish Oil, supplement, which is available in capsules or liquid.   

 Read our article: Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids: Balancing the Good Fats

Further Reading

University of Maryland – Omega 3’s

Medline Plus – Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition – A Case Controlled Study

Alternative Health Journal – Omega 3 Fatty Acids May Benefit Breast Health