Omega-3 Fatty Acids Reduces Rate of Prostate Cancer Growth

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and is a leading cause of death in men in the United States. Population studies have suggested that consumption of fish or fish oil reduces prostate cancer incidence

A recent study was done with mice, giving them a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil and certain types of fish. This study published in ScienceDaily (Jun. 23, 2007) suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, could potentially improve the prognosis of men who are genetically prone to develop prostate cancer.


The objective of the study was to explore gene-diet interactions in prostate cancer. It involved mice that were engineered with a genetic defect -- they lacked a tumor suppressor gene and spontaneously developed prostate cancer. The engineered mice and "wild-type" (or non-engineered) mice were fed varying levels of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Both are "essential" fatty acids, which means the body needs them for proper cell function but cannot produce them.

The mice were fed either a diet high in omega-3, a diet low in omega 3 or a diet high in omega-6.

After comparison by the scientist, results shows that mice with the tumor suppressor gene remained free of tumors and had 100 percent survival, regardless of diet. In mice with the gene defect, survival was 60 percent in animals on the high omega-3 diet, 10 percent in those on the low omega-3 diet and 0 percent in those on the high omega-6 diet.

Senior researcher Yong Q. Chen, Ph.D.. from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. said that a change in diet could possibly mean the difference between dying from the disease and surviving with it.

Dietary changes may be particularly beneficial in people prone to prostate cancer because the disease is usually diagnosed in older men and the tumors are slow-growing. It's possible that eating a high omega-3 diet could delay tumor development or progression long enough for the man to live out his natural lifespan with prostate cancer.

"Our data imply a beneficial effect of omega-3 PUFA on delaying the onset of human prostate cancer," Chen said.

Nutritionists recommend that people consume equal proportions of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA.

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070621183125.htm

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