Previous studies suggest that fish oils with omega 3 fatty acids may help certain cancers, including prostate and bowel cancers. Omega 3 essential fatty acids are found in fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines. However, previous studies have not consistently found that total fish intake (not including fatty fish intake) is associated with a lowered risk of cancers. Now for the first time research reports that fish oils with omega 3 fatty acids can help prevent the risk of renal cell carcinoma, a common form of kidney cancer.
The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, investigated whether fish oil is associated with the risk of kidney cancer in women. Researchers at the Karolinska Institutet, in Stockholm, Sweden analyzed the data of 61,433 women, with no previous history of cancer, as part of the Swedish Mammography Cohort. The participants were followed for 15 years. Food frequency questionnaires obtained from the participants were analyzed to determine fish and seafood consumption including fatty fish intake.
The researchers found that 150 participants developed renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Findings revealed there was no link between RCC and lean fish or seafood intake. However, participants with a fatty fish intake of at least once per week had a 44 percent lower risk of RCC, compared to those with no fatty fish intake. Furthermore, those with a consistent fatty fish intake at baseline and in follow-up had a 74 percent lower risk of RCC, compared to those with no fatty fish intake.
"Our study suggests that consumption of fatty fish may reduce the occurrence of renal cell carcinoma in women," the study authors conclude.
REFERENCES:
1. Wolk A et al. Long-term fatty fish consumption and renal cell carcinoma incidence in women. 2006 Sep 20;296(11):1371-6.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on December 24, 2006 01:03 PM
