Obesity represents a major under-recognized preventable risk factor for
cancer development and recurrence, including
breast cancer (BC). Healthy diet and correct lifestyle play crucial role for the treatment of
obesity and for the prevention of BC.
Obesity is significantly prevalent in western countries and it contributes to almost 50% of BC in older women. Mechanisms underlying
obesity, such as
inflammation and
insulin resistance, are also involved in BC development.
Fatty acids are among the most extensively studied dietary factors, whose changes appear to be closely related with BC risk. Alterations of specific ω-3
polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly low basal
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels, appear to be important in increasing
cancer risk and its relapse, influencing its progression and prognosis and affecting the response to treatments. On the other hand, DHA supplementation increases the response to anticancer
therapies and reduces the undesired side effects of anticancer
therapies. Experimental and clinical evidence shows that higher fish consumption or intake of DHA reduces BC cell growth and its relapse risk. Controversy exists on the potential anticancer effects of marine ω-3 PUFAs and especially DHA, and larger clinical trials appear mandatory to clarify these aspects. The present review article is aimed at exploring the capacity of DHA in controlling
obesity-related
inflammation and in reducing
insulin resistance in BC development, progression, and response to
therapies.