A diet higher in omega-3 fatty acids may improve the prognosis in those who are genetically prone to developing prostate cancer, according to a recent report.

To study the effect of fatty acids on prostate cancer, scientists utilized mice with a genetically determined susceptibility to the disease. Omega-3 fatty acids reduced prostate tumor growth, slowed progression, and increased survival, while omega-6 fatty acids had opposite effects.

“Diet can tip the balance toward a good or a bad outcome,” noted one of the scientists. “Our data imply a beneficial effect of omega-3 [fatty acids] on delaying the onset of human prostate cancer.”

Omega-3s, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are found in cold water fish and fish oil supplements. The present study adds to a growing body of evidence that omega-3s are protective against cancer.

Life Extension ~ October 2007

1. Berquin IM, Min Y, Wu R, et al. Modulation of prostate cancer genetic risk by omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. J Clin Invest. 2007 Jul 2;117(7):1866-75.

2. Theodoratou E, McNeill G, Cetnarskyj R, et al. Dietary fatty acids and colorectal cancer: a case-control study. Am J Epidemiol. 2007 Jul 15;166(2):181-95.