Nutrition and Healing
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Nutrition & Healing is intended to provide cutting-edge health information.
Nothing on this site should be interpreted as personal medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before changing anything related to your healthcare.

For many, the conventional approach to cancer—chemotherapy, radiation, and invasive surgery—can be as hard on the body as the disease itself.

These treatments are sometimes necessary, but they also weaken our immune defenses.

That’s why it’s so important to harness any and all of nature’s resources to support the body in the fight against cancer.

Today, let’s dive into the latest research showing how these specific fatty acids may help shield us from this terrible disease.

The Protective Power of Omega-3 and Omega-6

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for your health.

But unlike some nutrients, your body can’t produce these fatty acids on its own; you need to get them through your diet.

Omega-3s are well-known for their benefits to brain health, heart health, and inflammation reduction, while omega-6s have been linked to improved blood sugar regulation and inflammation control. Together, these fats are vital for overall wellness.

Now, researchers at the University of Georgia have found that these same fatty acids may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, including colon, stomach, and lung cancers.

The study, which analyzed medical data from over 250,000 people over more than 10 years, shows that higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 in the blood were associated with a lower risk of many types of cancer.

High Levels Linked to Lower Cancer Incidence

Throughout the study, around 30,000 participants were diagnosed with cancer. Those with higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 had a lower incidence of 14 different cancer types, including some of the most challenging ones to treat, like brain, thyroid, and pancreatic cancers.

Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, were found to offer protection against digestive cancers, like colon and stomach cancer, as well as lung cancer.

Dr. Kaixiong Ye, the study’s lead researcher, emphasizes that these results support the idea of incorporating more omega-3 and omega-6-rich foods into your diet.

Interestingly, the study found that these protective effects were stronger in certain groups: for omega-3s, younger people and women saw the most significant benefits, while for omega-6, the effects were more pronounced in men and older adults.

Implications for Everyone

Though this study used data from the UK Biobank, which primarily includes people of European ancestry, experts believe the benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 can apply to diverse populations.

As Dr. Nilesh Vora, a medical oncologist and director at MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute, points out, diet is a universal factor in health. Ensuring people around the world have access to these essential nutrients could play a role in lowering cancer rates everywhere.

While fish oil supplements can be helpful, most experts agree it’s best to aim for “food first” when it comes to getting these fatty acids. Here’s a quick guide to rich sources of omega-3s and omega-6s that you can easily incorporate into your daily diet:

  • Plant-Based Sources: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, soybeans, hemp seeds, and leafy greens like spinach provide a plant-based boost of omega-3s and omega-6s. These foods also bring extra nutrients like fiber, protein, and antioxidants, which benefit your whole body.
  • Cold-Water Fish: Salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring (remember “S.M.A.S.H.”) are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids. For a balanced intake, aim for two servings per week, as these fish are typically low in mercury.
  • Other Animal Sources: Tuna, trout, and cod also contain omega-3s, though to a lesser extent. When selecting seafood, consider options that are sustainable and lower in mercury.

The balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is crucial.

While both are beneficial, a diet too high in omega-6 without enough omega-3 may lead to inflammation. In Western diets, we tend to consume plenty of omega-6 from oils and processed foods, so ensuring enough omega-3 intake is especially important.

More Research Needed

Dr. Monique Richard, a registered dietitian, wasn’t surprised by the findings of this study, given the well-known benefits of these fats on whole-body health.

However, we must acknowledge that more research is needed to understand exactly how omega-3 and omega-6 work to protect against cancer. The protective link to cancer is a promising area of study, but as always, consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or supplement routine.

For those looking to bolster their natural defenses, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are worth including in your diet. Eating a variety of foods rich in these nutrients can support everything from brain function to heart health—and now, research suggests, may help reduce your cancer risk.

In the fight against cancer, let’s use every tool in our toolbox. Incorporating these essential fatty acids, along with regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle, may be another step in building a more resilient body.

In case you missed it, here’s what else we’ve been chatting about this week in e-Tips: 

Sources:

Pelc, C. (2024, November 7). Could taking fish oil supplements help lower cancer risk? Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/taking-fish-oil-supplements-omega-3-omega-6-help-lower-cancer-risk

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