Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women, according to the National Health Service's website, NHS Choices. Although it can affect women of any age, it is more common in women who have been through menopause. Symptoms of ovarian cancer may include abdominal pain, bloating and a feeling of fullness, although these symptoms are also associated with other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Ovarian cancer is usually treated with surgery or chemotherapy, but advanced cases may not respond to treatment. Some supplements, including omega-3, may help to prevent or treat ovarian cancer, but evidence to prove this is limited. Don't use omega-3 in place of medical treatments.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Omega-3 is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid, or PUFA. There are two forms of omega-3 fatty acids, known as eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, both of which are often referred to as "good fats" because of the numerous health benefits they might confer. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that they may play a role in the treatment of asthma, depression, cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Omega-3 fatty acids might also play a role in the prevention and treatment of cancer. MedlinePlus adds that omega-3 fatty acids may help to slow weight loss in cancer patients.
Sources and Administration
Oily fish such as mackerel, herring, salmon and trout are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. However, for convenience sake, many people opt to take a fish oil supplement as a source of omega-3s. Guidance regarding the dose required to help prevent or treat ovarian cancer is lacking. Ask your doctor or oncologist for guidance.
Evidence
Clinical studies evaluating the effects of omega-3 on ovarian cancer are limited. However, the results of a laboratory-based study, published in the October 2005 issue of "Gynecologic Cancer" show that omega-3 fatty acids might suppress the growth of epithelial ovarian cancer cells. However, an analysis of data from clinical trials involving omega-3 and cancer, published in the January 2006 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association" concludes that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids is unlikely to prevent cancer.
Safety Considerations
Taking a fish oil supplement as a source of omega-3 fatty acids is likely safe, states MedlinePlus, although it may cause mild side effects such as heartburn, nausea and loose stools. Taking more than 3 g per day might not be safe because it might have anticoagulant effects, increasing the risk of bleeding. Fish oil is contraindicated in several conditions, including liver disease, HIV and AIDS, and high blood pressure. It may heighten the effects of anticoagulants and reduce the effectiveness of the birth control pill.
References
- NHS Choices: Ovarian Cancer
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Omega-3
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- "Gynecologic Cancer"; The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Growth Regulation of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines; A. Sharma, et al.; October 2005
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids on Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review; C.H. MacLean, et al.; January 2006
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