Research shows that fish oil are helpful for even the most deadly form of breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential fatty acids (EFAs). The western diet is notably low in omega-3s and this has been linked to chronic preventable diseases - inflammation, heart disease, cancer, and brain diseases.
When cells are made up of more omega-3s, they are healthier - more fluid cell membranes, increased cell-to-cell signaling. There is a decrease in inflammation and increase in our immune system, which detects and destroys abnormal cells like cancer cells.
Fish Oil Increases the Efficacy of Chemotherapy
A phase II trial (n=25) found that women with metastatic breast cancer treated with an anthracycline who also supplemented with DHA (a type of omega-3 found in fish oil). The inherent ability to incorporate that DHA into the cell nearly doubled the women's overall survival (34 months vs. 18 months). [1]
Another study showed that women with greater levels of omega-3 in breast adipose tissue had a significantly greater response rate to chemotherapy for breast cancer. [2]
Other Benefits of Fish Oil in Cancer Care
- Improves surgical outcomes
- Decreases cancer cachexia and weight loss
- Decreases cancer treatment side effects
- Improves efficacy of radiotherapy
- Decreases inflammation
- Prevents carcinogenesis
Fish oil is one of the natural therapies I use in my practice. I dose fish oil supplements to effectively decrease inflammation and promote its anti-cancer properties in your body. To truly understand naturopathic medicine and what it can do for YOUR LIFE, seek the care of a naturopathic physician who understands cancer care.
Call today for a free 15 minute consultation to learn more about my practice: 704-543-5540!
References:
[1] Bougnoux P, Hajjaji N, Ferrasson MN, et al. Improving outcome of chemotherapy of metastatic breast cancer by docosahexaenoic acid: a phase II trial. Br J Cancer.
[2] Bougnoux P, Germain E, Chajes V, Hubert B, Lhuillery C, Le Floch O, Body G, Calais G. Cytotoxic drugs efficacy correlates with adipose tissue docosahexaenoic acid level in locally advanced breast carcinoma. British Journal of Cancer. 1999;79(11/12):1765-69.2009;101:1978-1985.