We've all heard about the benefits of including fish in our diets. This is most evident in the large body of evidence that supports the healthful nature of the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as lean meats and fish. Now, cancer researchers have found that fish oil supplements may help to prevent breast cancer.

In a recent study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, researchers questioned over 35,000 post-menopausal women who did not have a history of breast cancer. The information that was gathered pertained to their usage of supplements that were neither vitamins nor minerals. These supplements are sometimes referred to as "specialty" supplements.

A six-year follow up study revealed that there were 880 cases of breast cancer, but that regular consumption of fish oil supplements was associated with a 32% decrease in the risk for breast cancer. Fish oil supplements contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidants eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

The benefits seemed to be only applicable to the most common form of the disease, invasive ductal breast cancer. Additionally, the use of other specialty supplements, many of which are popular to help address symptoms of menopause, did not appear to affect the risk for breast cancer.

Previous research examining fish oil supplements and breast cancer have been inconsistent, and the current study is the first to demonstrate a potential link between its consumption and breast cancer prevention. The potential benefits of supplements may be rooted in the fact that they contain more omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that most people get in their diet. Fish oil is also believed to help reduce the risk of other chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis and heart disease.

Experts have indicated, however, that it is too early to make dietary recommendations, mainly because more supporting evidence is needed. Even still, the news is intriguing, and supports a large body of evidence suggesting that a healthy diet has numerous benefits, including the possible reduction in a person's risk for certain diseases, such as breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in this country after lung cancer, affecting one in eight women at some point in their lives. Though it is not clear why certain women are more prone to it than others, certain risk factors increase a woman's chance of contracting the disease. These include age, heredity, being overweight, using hormone replacement therapy, drinking alcohol, and smoking.

If you have questions or concerns about breast cancer or your diet, speak with your doctor. For more information, visit the website for the National Cancer Institute and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. For information about fish oil supplements, visit the website for the National Library of Medicine.