Positive Health Online

Abstract

NEWCOMER and colleagues, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98109-1024, USA, examined the possible relationship between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids and prostate cancer .

Background

Results from studies in animals suggest that omega-6 fatty acids encourage tumour development and omega-3 fatty acids inhibit it. Methods: Subjects were 67 patients newly diagnosed with prostate cancer and 156 controls. The researchers took blood samples from all subjects and measured levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in red blood cell (RBC) membranes .

Methodology

Results

Prostate cancer risk was higher in subjects with the highest RBC levels of alpha-linolenic acid compared with those with the lowest levels (odds ratio [OR] 2.6). A similar association was found for linoleic acid levels (OR 2.1) and total omega-6 fatty acids (OR 2.3).

Conclusion

The findings confirm those of other studies demonstrating associations between linoleic and total omega-6 fatty acids and increased risk of prostate cancer. However, in contrast with findings from animal studies, alpha-linolenic acid was also associated with increased prostate cancer risk. Further clinical studies are needed to clarify the relationship between omega-6 fatty acids and risk of prostate cancer in humans.

References

Newcomer LM et al. The association of fatty acids with prostate cancer risk. The Prostate 47 (4): 262-8. Jun 2001.