NEW YORK, Aug 25: A new study indicates that cancer patients who reduce seed oils in their diet may be able to slow tumor growth.

Researchers studied 100 men with early-stage prostate cancer over a year and found that participants who limited foods containing vegetable oils and increased intake of fish such as salmon experienced slower cancer progression compared with those on a typical Western diet.

Seed oils, including canola, corn, and cottonseed oils, are high in omega-6 fats. Previous studies suggest these fats may increase inflammation, potentially aiding cancer growth. In contrast, oils found in fish are rich in omega-3 fats, which are believed to reduce inflammation and support the immune system.

Dr. William Aronson, a professor of urology at UCLA School of Medicine who led the study, said: “Our findings suggest that something as simple as adjusting your diet could potentially slow cancer growth and extend the time before more aggressive interventions are needed.”

While leading U.S. medical organizations maintain that seed oils are safe and not linked to cancer, some public figures, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have criticized the oils for contributing to the obesity epidemic.

This new study follows research from the University of South Florida, published earlier this week, linking seed oils to rising colon cancer rates in young adults. That research suggested the fats may promote inflammation, which can damage tissue and make tumors more likely to grow.

The effects of these lipids are believed to be twofold: promoting inflammation that supports cancer growth and hindering the body’s ability to fight tumors.

Approximately 70 percent of prostate cancer patients are diagnosed at early stages, often before surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy is necessary. About 60 percent choose active monitoring, according to the National Cancer Institute, highlighting the potential importance of lifestyle changes such as dietary adjustments.

The American Cancer Society estimates 299,010 new prostate cancer cases in 2024, with roughly 201,000 expected to be early-stage diagnoses.

In the study, researchers focused on dietary fat types. The typical Western diet is high in omega-6 fats found in corn, sunflower seeds, and vegetable oils, while it is relatively low in omega-3 fats from fish, nuts, and flaxseeds, which are considered healthier.

Previous animal studies suggested that reducing omega-6 intake while increasing omega-3 consumption could slow prostate cancer growth and aggressiveness. Researchers divided participants into two groups: one assigned a diet low in omega-6 and high in omega-3, and the other continuing their usual Western diet. The diet emphasized reducing fried foods, chips, and baked goods while increasing fish consumption, such as tuna and salmon. Caloric intake remained similar between groups, with differences in fat composition.

After one year, prostate tumor samples were analyzed for chemical markers indicating cancer growth and aggressiveness. The diet group showed a 15 percent decrease in tumor aggression markers, while those on a typical diet saw a 24 percent increase.

Dr. Aronson said: “This significant difference suggests that the dietary changes may help slow cancer growth, potentially delaying or even preventing the need for more aggressive treatments.”

The researchers caution that further studies are needed to confirm the findings. Health experts generally recommend a balanced diet rather than eliminating a single food type.

Future research could offer crucial guidance for the hundreds of thousands of American men diagnosed with prostate cancer annually, potentially reducing the need for costly and invasive treatments like surgery.

Dr. Aronson added: “This is an important step toward understanding how diet can potentially influence prostate cancer outcomes.”