Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may lower cancer risk

New research from the University of Georgia suggests that omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids could help reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer. These healthy fats, already known for their benefits in lowering cholesterol, supporting brain health, and improving mental well-being, may play a key role in cancer prevention as well.

The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, analyzed data from over 250,000 people in the United Kingdom. Researchers found that those with higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids had lower cancer rates.

How Omega-3 and Omega-6 May Help Prevent Cancer

People with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids had a reduced risk of colon, stomach, and lung cancer, along with lower rates of other digestive system cancers. Meanwhile, high levels of omega-6 were linked to lower rates of 14 different cancers, including brain cancer, malignant melanoma, and bladder cancer.

Lead researcher Yuchen Zhang, a doctoral student at the University of Georgia, highlighted the importance of these findings. “Higher omega-3 and omega-6 levels were associated with lower rates of cancer,” Zhang said. “This suggests that people should focus on getting more of these healthy fats in their diets.”

The study tracked participants for over a decade. Nearly 30,000 of them developed cancer during that time, allowing researchers to compare their omega fatty acid levels with those who remained cancer-free.

Unlike some previous studies, this research found that the benefits of these fatty acids were not significantly influenced by other factors like body weight, alcohol use, or physical activity.

Sources of Omega-3 and Omega-6

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for good health and are found in foods such as fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), nuts, and plant oils (such as canola oil). However, many people, particularly in the United States, do not consume enough of these fats through their diet. As a result, fish oil supplements have become a popular way to boost intake.

Fish oil supplements are well known for their heart-health benefits, including lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease. The new study adds to the growing body of research suggesting they may also play a role in cancer prevention.

Not All Effects Are Positive

However, the benefits of fish oil supplements may not apply equally to everyone. The study found that while omega-3s were generally beneficial, higher levels were linked to a slightly increased risk of prostate cancer.

“For women, it’s an easy decision: Eat more omega-3,” said Kaixiong Ye, the study’s senior author and an associate professor at the University of Georgia. The study also found that omega-6 had stronger positive effects in younger people, particularly women.

Final Thoughts

While this research highlights the potential cancer-fighting benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, it also suggests that more studies are needed to understand their full effects, especially when it comes to different types of cancer.

For now, including more of these healthy fats in the diet—through foods like fish, nuts, and plant oils—may be a smart choice for overall health.

The research findings can be found in the International Journal of Cancer.