More than one million new cases of cancer are diagnosed in the United States in a year, and more than 500,000 cancer-related deaths occur. Cancer forms as an abnormal cell growth that divides uncontrollably and then invades other tissues within the originating cell and beyond. Cancer is a devastating disease, often requiring specific treatment to prevent tumors from spreading. In addition to conventional treatment, research aims to find alternative means to protect you from cancer.
Cancer Causes and Treatment
Cancer forms from mutations in your body that impair normal cell growth and division. Instead of old cells dying, the mutations form excess tissue mass called tumors. These tumors are either cancerous or non-cancerous. Risk factors include use of alcohol or tobacco, viruses, hormone changes and poor dietary habits. Many forms of cancer are preventable with lifestyle changes. However, some factors such as aging are not controllable. Cancer treatment involves determining the stage of cancer, and depending on the progression of the disease, it may include surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Your physician also advises lifestyle changes to better help you fight the disease, such as smoking cessation, dietary improvements and increasing your physical activity.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that help to protect your body from conditions such as heart disease or high cholesterol. Omega-3 is not made naturally in your body, but you can get it from eating certain foods or taking supplements. According to the American Cancer Society, use of omega-3 in treating cancer shows promise, but evidence is insufficient to conclusively determine that this supplement can treat all types of cancer. Omega-3 may slow the growth of existing colorectal cancer tumors and prostate cancer.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 fatty acids are similar to omega-3 in being essential to your diet but they differ in chemical structure. The omega-6 fatty acids play a role in development and brain health but when they occur in excess in the body, they tend to increase inflammation and cell growth. A healthy balance of omega-3, which decreases inflammation in the body, is necessary to prevent excess omega-6 from causing inflammation. The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that one breast cancer study concluded that omega-6 supplements aided in the treatment process in conjunction with prescribed medications, but this supplement alone does not conclusively lower your risk of cancer.
Sources, Doses and Safety
The safest dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids come from foods like salmon, tuna or herring and pumpkin seeds, walnuts or soybean oil. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in meats and vegetable oil. A healthy diet of fish, fruits, vegetables and grains supplies the majority of your omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Supplemental forms of omega-3 containing no more than 3 g per dose should not be taken without physician supervision. No standardized dose of supplemental omega-6 is recommended for cancer but consult your physician for suggestions. Supplements may cause gas, bloating or diarrhea and possible medication interactions with blood thinners and cholesterol drugs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cancer
- American Cancer Society: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences; Omega 3 but not Omega 6 Fatty Acids Inhibit AP-1 Activity and Cell Transformation in JB6 Cells; Guangming Liu et al; June 19, 2001
- National Cancer Institute: Defining Cancer
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