Oily fish can prevent a variety of health concerns, the most commonly cited one being heart disease. However, a new study, published in British Medical Journal, found that oily fish can protect your wellbeing against breast cancer. Based in China, the researchers found that women eating two helpings a week of oily fish, such as salmon, cut their breast cancer risk by up to 14%.
The researchers looked at the results of 26 studies from the United States, Europe and Asia. Put together, the data included over 800,000 participants and over 20,000 cases of breast cancer. In Asian populations, where fish intake is much higher, the risk of breast cancer was lowest. The results of the analysis also revealed that for every extra 0.1g or 0.1% of energy per day derived from omega-3 fatty acids in fish, breast cancer risk was reduced by 5%. To achieve this, you need to eat two portions of salmon, tuna, sardines or other oily fish twice a week.
According to Katherine Woods, Research Information Manager at Breast Cancer Campaign, ‘While this research reported a reduction in breast cancer risk of 14% for women consuming the highest levels of a particular type of fatty acid, it is important to note that body mass index (BMI) was not factored into the findings which could go some way to explaining this link. Further research is needed in order to understand any links between BMI, fatty acids found in fish and breast cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercise and reducing alcohol intake can help reduce the risk of breast cancer and other diseases.’
Sally Greenbrook, Breakthrough Breast Cancer’s Senior Policy Officer, commented, ‘It’s difficult to say with any certainty which foods or dietary factors have an impact on breast cancer risk, since we all eat a variety of different foods, and our diet changes over our lifetime. The study found that fatty acids found in fish could be associated with a lower risk of breast cancer, but there’s not enough evidence yet to suggest eating fish will reduce a person’s individual risk. However, we do recommend that all people eat a healthy balanced diet for their general health and wellbeing, of which fish can certainly form a part.’
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