
First, this was a single study. Second, the cancer that was
linked with omega-3 consumption is prostate cancer, so that lets some of us off
the hook right away. But the correlation does cause some concern.
The research was published in the Journal of the National
Cancer Institute. It tracked men who took omega-3 supplements derived from
marine sources. The research found that men with high omega-3 blood levels have
a 43% higher risk of prostate cancer than men with lower levels.
Prostate cancer is not a treat, but many doctors now
believe that all men will eventually develop prostate cancer, if they live long
enough. It’s just that most men die from other causes before prostate cancer begins.
Some forms of prostate cancer are so slow-growing that many times doctors advise no
treatment at all, just periodic evaluations.
So what does this mean? There are other sources of
omega-3 fatty acids, like flax seeds and walnuts. The research seems to connect
fish oil with the cancer increase, so these alternatives are worth considering.
But if you have a family history of prostate cancer, this is a good topic for
discussion with your doctor during your next check-up.
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