Can Omega-3-rich Food Slow Prostate Cancer Growth?

As per the American Cancer Society, there were about 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States in 2024, with 35,250 deaths. About 1 in 8 men in their lifetime are diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. It is also the most commonly diagnosed cancer in males in 118 of the 195 countries, and leading cause of death in 52 countries. In the US, it is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death and the most common cancer in men in the US, aside from non-melanoma skin cancer. Is there something that can lower the risk of prostate cancer? Well, an earlier research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that men with low-risk prostate cancer who choose "watchful waiting" over immediate treatment may benefit from incorporating fish oil supplements into their diet. The study therefore explores how eating Omega-3-rich food and adding those dietary changes could influence cancer growth and potentially delay the need for aggressive interventions like surgery or drug therapy.

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when malignant cells form in prostate gland, which is a walnut-sized gland in male reproductive system.

Prostate cancer treatment guidelines have shifted its path a bit in the recent years, with many men opting for active surveillance rather than immediate treatment for slow-growing tumors. However, about 50% of men on "watchful waiting" will require further treatment within 5 years because of the tumor progression. This is what triggered many researchers to aim and identify whether dietary modifications, specifically increasing omega-3 fatty acids, could prolong this surveillance period and slow down the tumor progression.

The study analyzed 100 men who were diagnosed with low-risk or "favorable intermediate" prostate cancer. Participants were then divided into two groups: one continued with their usual diet, while the other received counseling to increase omega-3 intake through fish oil supplements and dietary adjustments. The intervention group was also advised to reduce omega-6 fats, commonly found in processed and fried foods like chips, cookies, and mayonnaise.

The researchers then tracked whether there was any impact on the participants. For this, the researchers then measured each participant's Ki-67 index, a biomarker indicating the rate of cancer cell multiplication. After one year, men in the omega-3-focused group showed a 15% decline in their Ki-67 index, signaling a slowdown in cancer cell growth. In contrast, men who maintained their usual diet experienced a 24% increase in the same marker, indicating faster tumor progression.

Despite these promising results, the study found no changes in the Gleason grade—a key metric for assessing prostate cancer severity—among participants. This suggests that while omega-3 supplementation may slow cellular growth, however, it will not lessen the overall aggressiveness of the cancer.

The findings highlight the potential of dietary adjustments as part of prostate cancer management, though further research is necessary to determine long-term outcomes. For now, incorporating omega-3-rich foods like fish or supplements into a balanced diet may offer a simple and non-invasive strategy to support men opting for active surveillance.