Omega-3s Cut Risk of Colon Cancer in Whites

Omega-3 fatty acids, or “healthy” fats, may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, but only in whites.

Presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research Conference, experts found omega-3′s slow the growth of tumors.

Additionally, omega-3′s might slow down the spreading of colon cancer, or metastasis.

The findings are sketchy, but researchers suspect there is an inverse relationship between the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and colon cancer.

For the study, scientists analyzed the link between fatty acid intake and bowel cancer among nearly 2,000 people, using a questionnaire to assess each person’s diet. And data revealed people who consumed more omega-3′s had a lower risk of cancer.

But this association did not occur in black participants, prompting the researchers to say further studies must be conducted to determine why this relationship does not exist in blacks.

Most people assume omega-3 fatty acids are only found in fish, but walnuts are another source of healthy fats. Omega-3′s have been linked to brain health as well.

Via EurekAlert!

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