Key Findings:
The effects of fatty acids on breast cancer (BC) are reviewed here. N-6 fatty acids including linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n6) and arachidonic acid (AA, 20:4n6) appear to have cancer-promoting effects. N-3 PUFA may have anticancer effects. N-3 PUFA to positively alter mammary gland (MG) development in early life, thus protecting against mammary tumorigenesis later in life. N-3 PUFA may have a beneficial role for both the prevention and treatment of BC as described in this article. The authors suggest that future research should focus on the effect of early n-3 PUFA exposure on long-term BC risk, targeting early development. The role of individual fatty acids in MG development and BC risk, specifically ALA, EPA and DHA should be examined further.
ABSTRACT:
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Estimates suggest up to 35% of cases may be preventable through diet and lifestyle modification. Growing research on the role of fats in human health suggests that early exposure in life to specific fatty acids, when tissues are particularly sensitive to their environment, can have long-term health impacts. The present review examines the role of dietary fat in mammary gland development and breast cancer throughout the lifecycle. Overall, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have promising cancer preventive effects when introduced early in life, and warrant further research to elucidate the mechanisms of action. (Author’ abstract)