Widely Used Cooking Oil Ingredient Linked to Dangerous Breast Cancer, Study Says
Widely Used Cooking Oil Ingredient Linked to Dangerous Breast Cancer, Study Says
The findings underscore the impact of dietary fats on cancer risk and the need for tailored nutrition strategies.
A groundbreaking study from Weill Cornell Medicine in New York has raised alarms about the potential health risks of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in common seed and vegetable oils. Professor Stebbing, a leading figure in cancer treatment research, has called the study “significant” in its exploration of how seed oils may contribute to cancer development.
Published on March 14, 2025, in Science, the study relied on a controlled experiment where mice with TNBC were fed a linoleic acid-rich diet. Their tumor growth was compared to a control group that received a placebo.
The research suggests that excessive consumption of linoleic acid, prevalent in oils like soybean, safflower, and sunflower, as well as animal products such as pork and eggs, could play a role in the development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype with a high rate of progression and poor survival outcomes.
Linoleic acid appears to activate a crucial growth pathway in tumor cells by binding to a protein known as FABP5, which is abundant in TNBC cells. This process was not seen in other forms of hormone-sensitive breast cancer. In studies with mouse models, a diet high in linoleic acid led to accelerated tumor growth in TNBC cases.
This research offers valuable insights into the connection between dietary fats and cancer, emphasizing the importance of personalized dietary recommendations. For those at higher risk of TNBC, adjusting their intake of linoleic acid might help reduce cancer growth.
While this study provides promising evidence, more research is required to fully understand the long-term effects of linoleic acid on breast cancer risk. Individuals concerned about their diet and potential cancer risks should consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.
