Omega 3 Fish Oils Place Men in Higher Risk of Prostate Cancer

Omega-3 fatty acids are good for the body, particularly for the heart. But a research issued in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute revealed that too much of omega supplements and oily fish may enable high concentrations of these essential fatty acids in the blood and therefore place men in higher risk of prostate cancer. High levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) in the body make the male populace 43 percent more likely to carry any type of prostate cancer and 71 percent more probable to suffer from high-grade prostate cancer. The team of investigators was astounded by the findings.

In 2011, they did almost the same study, where they discovered that high levels of DHA more than double the likelihood of men to have high-grade prostate cancer. With the consistency of the results, it is safe to say then that all these fatty acids play a role in prostate tumorgenesis. Therefore, endorsements to boost intake of omega-3 fatty acids (specifically through supplementation) should be managed well to avoid potential risks.

Men should not panic, however. Omega-3 fatty acids are only among the components of the recommended balanced diet to people. Hence, the risk of overconsumption may not happen if they choose to follow a healthy diet. The director of study at Prostate Cancer UK, Dr. Iain Frame, said that more wide-ranging and complex research must be made before they will be able to fully comprehend in what way the risks of a diet loaded in omega-3 offer a sense of balance against the benefits.

It is still unclear as to why high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body of a male individual are connected to higher risk of prostate cancer. According to the team, it is probable that these essential fatty acids are damaging because of their ability to convert into compounds, which bring harm to DNA and cells.

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer and the second principal cause of cancer death among American men. For the year 2013, the American Cancer Society approximates that almost 238,590 new cases will be diagnosed and that almost 30,000 men will die from this disease. Prostate cancer is common to older men. It is very rare for those who are under 40. The average age is actually 67.

One male individual in 36 will perish due to prostate cancer. Yes, it is a serious illness but majority of men who were found to have prostate cancer do not die because of it. Truth is that over 2.5 million of them in the United States continue to live their lives on earth. Available treatments for men with this disease are: active surveillance, radiation therapy, surgery, hormonal therapy, vaccine treatment and chemotherapy. Other patients, however, complement this with alternative cancer treatments to reduce occurrence of symptoms and alleviate pain. Healthcare professionals who treat this type of cancers are urologists, radiation oncologists and medical oncologists.

With research from Medical News Today and American Cancer Society

 

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