New Study Underscores Protective Benefits of Eating Canned Tuna

WASHINGTON, March 27 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, there is encouraging news: new research shows that men may keep this disease from spreading by consuming fatty fish, such as canned tuna, that are rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Published in the March issue of the British Journal of Cancer, the study was conducted by scientists at the Paterson Institute at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, England and finds that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish are able to block the spread of cancerous cells in the prostate gland. This makes it possible to confine the cancer to the prostate where treatment with surgery or radiotherapy is very effective. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for men whose prostate cancer remains localized is nearly 100 percent.

The new study also examines why omega-3 fatty acids are protective, suggesting they may block the action of a common fatty acid in prostate cells called arachidonic acid, which has been found to increase the spread of tumor cells into the bone marrow. For this reason, the researchers advocate adding more omega-3 fatty acids to the diet to balance the amount of arachidonic acid converted in the body from consumption of vegetable oils. Because Americans eat little fish, we often lack the omega-3s that restrain the effects of arachidonic acid.

"This study provides encouragement to all American men who are concerned about prostate cancer," said Joyce Nettleton, D.Sc., R.D., author of Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Health and a member of the Tuna Nutrition Council, which advises USTF on nutrition and public health matters. "Accumulating evidence suggests that the omega-3 fatty acids in seafood may exert a protective effect against the spread of prostate cancer. A simple step like adding canned tuna and other fatty fish to the diet can help stop the spread of this disease in men with early prostate cancer. This information may help men make wiser food choices."

The British study adds to a growing body of research linking two of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish -- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) -- with a lower risk of breast, colon and prostate cancers. This includes a major study of more than 35,000 women by the National University of Singapore whose increased consumption of DHA and EPA lowered the risk of developing breast cancer by 26 percent. Of the top 10 most commonly consumed fish in this country, salmon and canned albacore tuna have the highest levels of the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrition Database.

Besides having a protective effect against certain cancers, omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of heart disease and stroke and reduce the symptoms of some inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Promising research also suggests these fatty acids may reduce the chance of Alzheimer's disease and maintain good cognitive function (the ability to perceive and interpret information correctly) -- especially as people age.

According to Dr. Nettleton, the average American eats about 16 pounds of fish a year, compared to about 37 pounds for the average European and over 88 pounds for the average Japanese. Many people do not eat fish at all. Recognizing the many health benefits associated with fish consumption, health organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American Dietetic Association recommend that people eat two servings a week of fish, especially fatty fish, such as canned tuna.

More information about canned tuna and its health benefits is available at the USTF Web site, http://www.tunafacts.com.

Established in 1976, the U.S. Tuna Foundation (USTF) is the national organization representing the canned tuna processors and the fishermen who supply them and addresses issues ranging from fishing access arrangements to federal and state regulations and domestic marketing. SOURCE U.S. Tuna Foundation