Dietary Fish and Omega 3 Fatty Acids for Breast Cancer Prevention

The primary objectives of this study are to:

i.) Determine the effects of increased fish consumption on serum and breast fat tissue fatty acids in women at high risk for developing breast cancer relative to an omega 3 fatty acid supplement;

ii.) Assess adherence and tolerability of increased dietary intake of fish relative to an omega 3 fatty acid supplement.

Secondary objectives include:

iii.) Evaluate possible correlations between physical factors such as body mass index (BMI) and dietary factors and target tissue effects.

iv.) Explore additional biomarkers as surrogate endpoints to measure effects of fish consumption.

Inclusion criteria

• Increased risk for breast cancer based on family history, personal history
• Normal mammogram, clinical breast examination in the past 12 months
• >1 year from pregnancy, lactation or chemotherapy

Exclusion criteria

• Concurrent malignancy or metastatic malignancy of any kind
• History of a bleeding tendency, use of anticoagulant medications
• Inability to undergo fine needle aspiration of breast adipose tissue
• Chronic use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements or regular consumption of > 2 meals/servings of fish per week within the 3 months prior to entry on the study or any other supplements that might interact with omega-3 fatty acid supplements
• Known sensitivity or allergy to fish
• Standing regimen of full dose aspirin (325 mg/day or more), Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or NSAID-containing products.