Positive Health Online

Abstract

ROSE, Division of Nutrition and Endocrinology, American Health Foundation, Valhalla, New York 10595 USA writes that epidemiological studies indicate that levels of dietary fat intake and the nature of constituent fatty acids influence breast and prostate cancer risk and disease progression. The author reviews (131 references) those results which are supported by animal studies which show that polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids stimulate mammary carcinogenesis, tumour growth and metastasis, while long-chain omega-3 fatty acids show inhibitory effects. The author notes that while studies regarding prostate cancer are less advanced, available data agree with the associations between breast cancer and dietary fatty acids. With both cancers, a multiplicity of biological actions of eicosanoids derived from tumour cell arachidonate metabolism appear to elicit responses in the tumour itself and in the host cells.

Background

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

Clinical intervention trials designed to reduce total fat intake and increase the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the diet ought to be targeted at groups at relatively high risk for breast or prostate cancer and at postsurgically treated cancer patients with the objective of preventing cancer recurrence.

References

Rose DP. Dietary fatty acids and prevention of hormone- responsive cancer. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 216 (2): 224-33. Nov 1997.