Fish oil and a variety of dietary supplements used to ameliorate the symptoms of menopause were evaluated in a recent study to determine their possible association with breast cancer risk. In the study, researchers investigated the relationship between the consumption of fish oil, and menopausal supplements (black cohosh, dong quai, soy, and St. John's Wort), and the risk of developing breast cancer. The subjects were followed for up to 7 years to evaluate the incidence of breast cancer.
The results showed that the subjects' current use of fish oil was associated with a 32% reduction in the risk of developing ductal breast cancer, particularly those taking it for over 10 years. The use of the menopausal supplements did not affect breast cancer risk.
