Research
Mixed
Higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids does not increase the risk of cancer, nor does it significantly reduce cancer incidence.
You do not need to worry that omega-3 supplements will cause cancer, nor should you expect them to prevent it. The risk profile for cancer is neutral.
StrongRefutesHIGH confidence
Neither RCTs nor cohort studies suggested increased risk of cancer with a higher intake of omega 3 (trials: 1.07, 0.88 to 1.30; cohort studies: 1.02, 0.87 to 1.19), but clinically important harm could not be excluded.
Why this rating
Based on 10 RCTs and 7 cohort studies with consistent results (I2=0% for RCTs).
Source
Risks and benefits of omega 3 fats for mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer: systematic review
Lee Hooper et al. · BMJ · 2006
Meta-analysis · 89 studiesCited 680×
Read the paper This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →