Fish Oil Linked To Lower Breast Cancer Risk

MIAMI (CBS4) -- Vitamins and dietary supplements are big business in the U.S. Americans spend about $25 billion a year on supplements including fish oil due to its cardiovascular benefits. But now a new study indicates that the Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil may also help women lower their risk of breast cancer.

Sandi Groper is a breast cancer survivor. As a health science teacher she was always health conscious but she became extra vigilant after her illness.

Now she plays golf, watches her weight, goes for yearly mammograms, and takes supplements. Among them are the Omega 3 fish oils.

Fish oil supplements have long been noted for decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

"That is something that fish oil supplement is well known for because it tends to reduce triglycerides," said Sandi.

A new study evaluated 35,000 post menopausal women and concluded that the risk of breast cancer was also lower among women who took fish oil.

"The study indicated that 32% of the women that they followed had a lower risk of breast cancer," said dietitian Glenis Dodds-Mills.

Scientists caution about jumping to conclusions about fish oil too quickly.

The study merely observed a correlation between fish oil use and lower breast cancer rates.

An on-going clinical trial at Harvard may determine whether there's a cause and effect relationship between the two.

"It is showing good potential for fish liver oil to be a supplement to help with the reduction of the risk of breast cancer," added Dodds-Mills.

As for Groper, she thinks the supplements helped her stay healthy. Just ask her if her treatment was successful.

"Successful? It's been 25 years!"

For more information about breast cancer education, diagnosis and treatment, just go to this website, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Chapter.