Fish Oil and Colon Cancer - Benefits

Is there a beneficial link between fish oil and colon cancer?

Fish oil is rich in the powerful omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, which have been linked to a host of health benefits and protective effects against various diseases. And those include cancer.

Numerous authors speak of the ability of omega 3 fatty acids to prevent or even treat many diseases, including cancer. The many books which mention the anti-cancer effects of these essential fatty acids include "Textbook of Natural Medicine (2nd Edition Volume 2)" by Michael T Murray, ND; "Health and Nutrition Secrets" by Russell L Blaylock, MD; "Cancer & Natural Medicine: A Textbook of Basic Science and Clinical Research" by John Boik; "Alternative Medicine the Definitive Guide (Second Edition)" by Larry Trivieri, Jr; and "Gary Null’s Power Aging" by Gary Null.

There are also sources which speak of omega 3 deficiency being associated with increased risk of cancer. Human studies have suggested a helpful association between eating fish oil and colon cancer prevention, as it reduces risk markers for the disease.

In addition, studies have shown the ability of omega 3 fatty acids to slow or delay the spread or metastasis of cancer. These fatty acids have been found to be able to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and to suppress tumor growth. Not only can they prevent normal cells from becoming malignant, they can also induce suicide in cancerous cells. In studies carried out on animals, fish oil has been shown to inhibit colon cancer. Laboratory studies also revealed that DHA kills cancer cells.

With such oil being rich in omega 3 fatty acids, it becomes clear why there is a link between consuming fish oil and colon cancer prevention or inhibition.

Inflammation has been linked to many serious diseases, including cancer. Omega 3 fatty acids are most famous for their potent anti-inflammatory effects. That being the case, it would make sense that these essential fatty acids also offer some form of indirect protection against cancer.

More specifically, the positive link between consuming fish oil and colon cancer relief is boosted by the fact that omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil (DHA and EPA) help reduce inflammation in the colon.

Another indirect omega 3 cancer benefit, whether against colon cancer or other forms of cancer, is the fact that these fatty acids protect and boost the immune system. Such an effect, of course, is useful against any disease.