Cancer and flaxseed research

We have listed below the key review papers and studies that have addressed the issue of cancer and flaxseed. This includes research on alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and lignans (phytoestrogens found in the seeds of the flax plant).

Cancer and flaxseed research (general)

Research review papers:

Flax and flaxseed oil (Linum usitatissimum): a review by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. Basch E, Bent S, Collins J, Dacey C, Hammerness P, Harrison, M, Smith M, Szapary P, Ulbricht C, Vora M & Weissner W. J Soc Integr Oncol 2007 Summer;5(3);92-105 (Abstract)

Multi-targeted therapy of cancer by omega-3 fatty acids. Berquin IM, Edwards IJ & Chen YQ Cancer Lett 2008 Oct 8;269(2):363-77 (Full text)

Health effects with consumption of the flax lignan secoisolariciresinol diglucoside. Adolphe JL, Whiting SJ et al. Br J Nutr 2010 Apr;103(7):929-38 (Abstract)

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cancer risk: a systematic review MacLean CH, Newberry SJ, Mojica WA et al. Jama 2006 Jan 25;295(4):403-15 (Full text)

Meta-analyses of lignans and enterolignans in relation to breast cancer risk. Buck K, Zaineddin AK, Vrieling A et al. Am J Clin Nutr 2010 May 12 (Abstract)

Lignans and breast cancer risk in pre- and post-menopausal women: meta-analyses of observational studies. Valentzis LS, Cantwell MM, Cardwell C et at. Br J Cancer 2009 May 5;100(9):1492-8. (Full text) 

Key research studies:

Flaxseed supplementation (not dietary fat restriction) reduces prostate cancer proliferation rates in men presurgery. Demark-Wahnefried W, Polascik TJ, George SL et al. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008 Dec;17(12):3577-87 (Full text)

Growth inhibitory effect of low fat diet on prostate cancer cells: results of a prospective randomized dietary intervention trial in men with prostate cancer. Aronson WJ, Arnard RJ, Freedland SJ et al. J Urol 2010 Jan;183(1):345-50 (Abstract)

Flaxseed oil and prostate cancer

Research review papers:

Omega-3 PUFA: Good or bad for prostate cancer? Brouwer IA. Prostaglandins Luekot Essent Fatty Acids. 2008 Sep-Nov;79(3-5):97-9. (Abstract)

The relation of alpha-linolenic acid to the risk of prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Simon JA, Chen YH & Bent S. Am J Clin Nutr 2009 May;89(5):1558S-1564S. (Abstract)

Are all n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids created equal? Anderson BM & Ma DW. Lipids Health Dis 2009 Aug 10;8:33. (Full text)

Prospective studies of dietary alpha-linolenic acid intake and prostate cancer risk: a meta-analysis. Carayol M, Groscluade P & Delpierre C. Cancer Causes Control 2010 Mar; 21(3):347-55 (Abstract)

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