Another link between diet and cancer

New research proposes that eating fish may benefit more than your heart. According to a new study in the journal The Lancet, men who ate more fish were less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who ate little to none.

These findings are based on the analysis of information collected from 6272 men. At the start of the study, the volunteers supplied information about their diet, physical activity, smoking habits, and alcohol use. The researchers asked about their weekly intake of certain types of food, including fish. For the next 30 years, they recorded whether any of the men developed prostate cancer as indicated by the National Cancer Register.

Over the three decades of the study there were 466 cases of prostate cancer (340 which were fatal), diagnosed at an average age of 77 years. The investigators found that those who reported eating higher amounts of fish had a lower occurrence of prostate cancer.

Fish eaters have healthier habits

Men who ate larger amounts of fish also were more physically active, ate more fruits and vegetables, and less red and processed meat. Curiously, they smoked more. These healthful behaviors (except for smoking) may lower the risk of developing cancer in and of themselves. Yet, when the researchers mathematically "controlled" for these factors, fish consumption still appeared to be beneficial.

What makes fish so healthful?

Fish, especially fatty fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel, contain omega-3 fatty acids, which may inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells. Omega-3s are also what makes fish "heart-healthy." They help keep blood from clotting and sticking to arterial walls, and, as a result, protect against heart disease.

Currently, scientists and health professionals are looking for further insight as to the role of diet in both protecting against and contributing to the development of cancer. Most agree that eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and eating less fat are the best steps people can take to minimize their risk of certain cancers.

Prudent diet advice

The American Cancer Society does not currently include a recommendation to "eat more fish" in its list of advice on dietary behaviors, like the American Heart Association does. But it's important to note that by including more fish in your diet, you may be replacing something else - like red meat or pork - that tends to be high in saturated fat. And, a high intake of saturated fat is associated with an increased cancer risk.

Many people think fish is difficult to prepare. It needn't be. It just takes a little knowledge about purchasing, storing, and preparing it. If you're nervous about cooking fish at home, make it a habit to order fish when dining out. To get the heart-healthy benefits --and maybe some cancer protection as well-- from omega-3s, be sure to include some of the fatty, cold water fish like trout, tuna, and sardines.