When we talk about cancer prevention and control, we don’t usually think of dietary changes as being all that helpful. But recent research is starting to make a difference.
This study suggests that dietary changes, such as different types of cooking oils, may play a role in slowing tumor growth in cancer patients.
UCLA experts focused on men with early-stage prostate cancer and observed striking differences in tumor progression based on dietary habits.
This discovery could pave the way for lifestyle changes that complement cancer treatment strategies.
Understanding Edible Oils — The Basics
Cooking oils are a kitchen essential, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, and there’s an oil suitable for every cooking need.
Coconut oil is popular for its unique taste and high smoke point, making it ideal for high-temperature cooking, while avocado oil has a buttery flavor and is rich in healthy fats.
Whether you’re making a quick stir-fry or baking your favorite cookies, each oil brings something different to the table.
Edible oils play a big role not only in flavor, but also in health. Many oils, such as olive and flaxseed, are rich in heart-healthy fats that lower bad cholesterol and keep your heart happy.
Conversely, if you are trying to maintain a balanced diet, you may want to be wary of oils that are high in saturated fats, such as palm oil. Choosing the right oil can enhance your meal with both taste and nutrition.
Diet and cancer progression
The year-long study involved 100 men with early-stage prostate cancer. The researchers divided the participants into two groups.
One group ate a diet low in omega-6 fats (found in seed oils) and high in omega-3 fats (found in fish such as salmon). The other group continued with their regular Western diet.
By the end of the study, participants who adjusted their diets saw a 15% reduction in markers of tumor invasion.
Meanwhile, these markers increased by 24% in the group that ate a standard Western diet. These results suggest that dietary fat may influence cancer progression.
“Our findings suggest that simple dietary adjustments may slow cancer growth and extend the time before more aggressive intervention is needed.” said Dr. William Aronson, professor of urology. University of California Los Angeles and the principal investigator of this study.
Seed oil in the western diet
Seed oils such as canola oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oil are staples of the Western diet. They are rich in omega-6 fats, which have been linked to increased inflammation in some studies.
Inflammation can promote cancer growth by damaging tissue and weakening the body’s ability to fight tumors.
On the other hand, omega-3 fats found in fish, nuts, and flaxseed are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
These support the immune system and may reduce the risk of tumor growth. Previous animal studies also support the idea that decreasing omega-6 intake while increasing omega-3 intake can slow cancer progression.
non-invasive intervention
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in American men. An estimated 299,010 cases will be diagnosed in 2024, with approximately 201,000 patients expected to be in the early stages of the disease.
Many patients choose active monitoring rather than immediate surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
For these patients, lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications, may delay the need for aggressive treatment. The findings highlight the potential for non-invasive options for managing early-stage prostate cancer.
“This large difference suggests that dietary changes may slow cancer growth and potentially delay or prevent the need for more aggressive treatment,” Dr. Aronson said. .
Seed oil and cancer risk
Despite these findings, major medical organizations, including the American Heart Association, maintain that seed oil is safe and has no link to cancer.
However, public opinion on seed oils is becoming increasingly divided. Critics, including celebrities like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., argue that seed oil is contributing to the obesity epidemic and related health concerns.
Adding to the controversy, a recent study from the University of South Florida found that seed oil is associated with an increase in colon cancer among young people.
Researchers suggested that the fats in seed oils may promote inflammation and create an environment in which tumors can grow.
Approaching a balanced diet
The UCLA researchers emphasized that while their findings are promising, more research is needed to confirm the link between diet and cancer progression.
They also emphasized the importance of maintaining a balanced diet rather than eliminating certain foods.
Dr. Aronson said this study is an important step toward understanding how diet may influence prostate cancer outcomes.
Future research could provide more targeted dietary recommendations for the thousands of men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.
A better understanding of how dietary fat affects cancer could help reduce reliance on invasive and expensive treatments such as surgery and chemotherapy.
This evidence suggests that reducing omega-6 fats and incorporating omega-3-rich foods may slow the progression of early-stage prostate cancer.
However, experts agree that further research is needed to validate these findings and provide practical dietary guidelines.
For now, adopting a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fish, nuts, and seeds may have additional benefits for cancer patients. While diet alone may not cure cancer, it can play an important role in improving outcomes and quality of life.
The research will be published in a journal clinical oncology.
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