Omega-3 Fat May Protect Against Breast Cysts and Cancer

High blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), one of the key omega-3 fats found in fish oils, is strongly associated with a low risk of benign breast cysts and breast cancer.

Jackilen Shannon, PhD, of Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, and her colleagues, analyzed levels of EPA in the red blood cells of more than 1,600 women. Of the women, 155 had benign non-proliferative breast cysts, 185 had benign proliferative cysts, and 241 women had breast cancer, some with proliferative and others with non-proliferative benign cysts.

Shannon determined that women with the highest blood levels of EPA were 67 percent less likely to have benign non-proliferative breast cysts. In addition, women with benign non-proliferative breast cysts and high levels of EPA also had a 49 percent lower risk of breast cancer.

Reference: Shannon J, King IB, Lampe JW, et al. “Erythrocyte fatty acids and risk of proliferative and nonproliferative fibrocystic disease in women in Shanghai, China.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2009;89:265-276.