WANT TO REDUCE BREAST CANCER? FISH OIL IS A MUST

BRCA1 (breast cancer gene 1) and BRCA2 (breast cancer gene 2) are two tumor suppressor genes that, when functioning normally, help repair damage to DNA (a process that also prevents tumor development).

In 1994, researchers discovered that women who carry mutations of BRCA1 or BRCA2 are at higher risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer than women who do not have these genetic mutations. Currently, women with BRCA1 mutations account for 5% of all breast cancer cases.

Differences in the actions of omega-3 and omega-6 fats have been observed on these genes. Omega-3 fats have been described to reduce cancer cell growth and the omega-6 fats have been found to cause cancer growth.

The researchers examined the expression of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in breast cell lines after treatment with both omega-6 and omega-3 fats. They found that omega-3 fats (DHA and EPA) were able to induce increases in BRCA1 and BRCA2 but omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid did not.

The researchers believe that there is a possible transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulation of the cancer protection genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 after omega-3 fat treatment in breast cancer cells.

The second study reviews new evidence on the biological mechanisms as to how fish oil can protect against breast cancer. It appears that omega-3 fats activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) which are capable of influencing the growth of breast cancer cells.
British Journal of Nutrition April 2002, vol. 87, no. 4, pp. 281-289(9)
British Journal of Nutrition, March 2002, vol. 87, no. 3, pp. 193-198(6)

Phillip Day's Comment: Here is yet more data which demonstrates the need for a balanced, natural diet rich in all the good stuff. Fish oil can be taken in supplementary form, if you are suspicious of potentially contaminated, commercially farmed fish. An organic diet replete with 70-80% fresh vegetables, legumes, pulses and fruits along with their seeds is the order of the day (see my book Health Wars for more information on the Science of Natural Hygiene).