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Current Breast Cancer Reports
Published in: Current Breast Cancer Reports 3/2013

01-09-2013 | Risk, Prevention, and Screening (DL Hershman, Section Editor)

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Prevention of Breast Cancer: an Update and the State of the Science

Authors: Neil M. Iyengar, Clifford A. Hudis, Ayca Gucalp

Published in: Current Breast Cancer Reports | Issue 3/2013

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Abstract

The quantity and makeup of dietary fat intake are known to affect human health. A variety of purported health benefits, including cancer prevention, have focused increased attention on use of omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplements. Preclinical evidence has been encouraging, and recent studies have increased our understanding of mechanisms by means of which ω-3 PUFAs may protect against breast cancer. However, epidemiological studies have yielded mixed results. Recent population studies have attempted to determine factors, for example total fat intake and the ratio of ω-3 to ω-6 PUFA intake, that may affect the action of ω-3 PUFAs. Several clinical trials, some currently ongoing, are investigating strategies to favorably alter endogenous fatty acid profiles in an attempt to develop clinically feasible prevention methods. Identification of well-defined subpopulations who are most likely to benefit from a targeted prevention approach will probably be crucial to this effort.
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Metadata
Title
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Prevention of Breast Cancer: an Update and the State of the Science
Authors
Neil M. Iyengar
Clifford A. Hudis
Ayca Gucalp
Publication date
01-09-2013
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Breast Cancer Reports / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 1943-4588
Electronic ISSN: 1943-4596
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-013-0112-1

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