Omega-3 Fatty Acids Can Help Reduce Breast Cancer Risk

Omega-3 fatty acids are known to help stave off some cardiovascular conditions, and now a new study reveals the potent little pills may also help reduce the risk of invasive ductal breast cancer. Post-menopausal women taking Omega-3 pills are less likely to develop breast cancer than those who do not take the supplements.

The study was conducted by researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. The researchers followed 35,016 post-menopausal women with no signs of breast cancer. The women were asked about their supplement intake at the beginning of the study. Researchers tracked the progress of the women over a six year period.

880 women developed breast cancer during the study period. The women who took a fish oil supplement were 32 percent less likely to develop breast cancer. Another similar study is currently being done by researchers at Harvard University. That study involves the combination of Omega-3 fish oil supplements and Vitamin D supplements in older men and women.

Fatty fish oil supplements are believed to promote healthy cells in the body. Medical experts recommend a person take a fish oil supplement if they do not eat at least two servings of fatty fish a week. The supplements are generally taken in easy to swallow gel filled capsules. The supplements are generally recommended to help a person lower cholesterol levels and effectively prevent some heart disease conditions. Fish oils are taken as brain power boosters as well.

The study has been published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.