1 week Ago By George Citroner
A type of fat found in commonly used seed oils has been linked to faster growth of one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of breast cancer. Using an animal model, researchers discovered that high linoleic acid consumption activated a critical growth pathway in cancer cells, potentially explaining why this particular cancer subtype is becoming more prevalent even as overall breast cancer rates decline. The authors also observed higher levels of both FABP5 and linoleic acid in tumors and blood samples from patients recently diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.
Since the 1950s, the prevalence of omega-6 in Western diets has soared. Linoleic acid is primarily found in vegetable oils such as soybean, corn, and sunflower oil, which are widely used in ultra-processed foods, packaged snacks, fast food, and convenience meals due to their low cost, Aderet Dana Hoch, a registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Dining With Nature, told The Epoch Times. “It is also present in smaller, natural amounts in meat, poultry, nuts, and seeds,” she said.
Chronic inflammation is one of the leading drivers of various types of cancer and other chronic diseases, Emily Feivor, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, New York, told The Epoch Times. Practical Dietary Recommendations Limit processed and ultra-processed foods, which are the biggest contributors to excessive omega-6 consumption. Increase intake of omega-3s by eating grass-fed varieties of meat and eggs.
Eat cold-water fatty fish two to four times per week. Switch from seed oils to olive or avocado oils for cooking. Consider taking an omega-3 supplement after consulting with a health care provider.
Blenis and his team plan to continue exploring the effects of omega-6 fats and FABP5 on other health conditions. They suggest there may be broader implications for other cancers and chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. “The illumination of FABP5’s importance in this process suggests, moreover, that it could be a good “biomarker” to guide more personalized nutritional and therapeutic interventions for patients with triple-negative breast cancer, which currently lacks any targeted therapy,” said Blenis.
This study is thought to be the first to establish a specific mechanism through which this common dietary component influences disease, potentially opening new avenues for both prevention and treatment of aggressive cancers..
