Research studies on safflower oil and cancer very often contradict each other. Individuals with certain types of cancers such as breast cancer may benefit from adding safflower oil to their diet, whereas those patients with prostate cancer may be advised to avoid safflower oil completely. Speak to your doctor or health care practitioner about the value of safflower oil supplementation that is specific to your case.
Stomach Cancer
Safflower oil is a rich source of vitamin E, an important antioxidant which appears to protect the body from the damaging effects of free radicals, according to nutritionist Alison Evert, M.S., R.D., C.D.E., of the University of Washington Medical Center. Free radicals may be linked to the development of cancer, although this has not been definitively proven. Individuals with poor levels of nutrition prior to the development of stomach cancer may benefit from vitamin E supplementation with safflower oil, according to the American Cancer Society, although more research is required to support this recommendation.
Bladder Cancer
The vitamin E in safflower oil may also reduce the risk of death from bladder cancer, according to a 2002 study published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology." Study author Eric Jacobs, M.S., Ph.D., strategic director of pharmacoepidemiology at the American Cancer Society, found that subjects who regularly supplemented vitamin E sources such as safflower oil in their diets for more than 10 years saw a decreased risk of mortality from cancer of the bladder.
Prostate Cancer
Safflower oil is also a rich source of Omega 6 fatty acids, which may be problematic for patients with prostate cancer. According to Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D., of the VeriMed Healthcare Network, Omega 6 fatty acids have been implicated in the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Patients with prostate cancer as well as those at risk for developing the disease are advised to avoid safflower oil and other sources of Omega 6 fatty acids such as corn oil altogether.
Breast Cancer
In the case of those patients with breast cancer, Omega 6 fatty acids may be effective in the treatment of endocrine sensitive cancers such as breast cancer. According to a 2000 study published in the "International Journal of Cancer," Omega 6 fatty acids such as those found in safflower oil appeared to increase the effectiveness of tamoxifen -- a drug used to treat breast cancer -- in 38 breast cancer patients of varying ages and at various stages of the disease.
References
- American Cancer Society: What's New in Stomach Cancer Research and Treatment?; December 2010
- U.S. National Library of Medicine Medline Plus: Vitamin E; Alison Evert, M.S., R.D., C.D.E.; February 2011
- American Journal of Epidemiology: Vitamin C and Vitamin E Supplement Use and Bladder Cancer Mortality in a Large Cohort of U.S. Men and Women; E.J. Jacobs et al.; December 2002.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-6 Fatty Acids; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; June 2009
- International Journal of Cancer: Gamma Linolenic Acid with Tamoxifen as Primary Therapy in Breast Cancer; F.S. Kenny; March 2000
Member Comments