Role of dietary fatty acids in mammary gland development and breast cancer
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* Corresponding author: David WL Ma davidma@uoguelph.ca
Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Room 342, Animal Science/Nutrition Building, 491 Gordon Street, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
Breast Cancer Research 2010, 12:211 doi:10.1186/bcr2646
Published: 26 October 2010Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Estimates suggest up to 35% of cases may be preventable through diet and lifestyle modification. Growing research on the role of fats in human health suggests that early exposure in life to specific fatty acids, when tissues are particularly sensitive to their environment, can have long-term health impacts. The present review examines the role of dietary fat in mammary gland development and breast cancer throughout the lifecycle. Overall, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have promising cancer-preventive effects when introduced early in life, and warrant further research to elucidate the mechanisms of action.