The potential of omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer

In toto, there is strong circumstantial evidence from both experimental and clinical studies to support a role for ω-3 FA in the prevention of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). In experimental animal studies there is direct evidence that dietary ω-3 FA inhibits ultraviolet radiation (UVR) carcinogenic expression, with regard to both increased tumor latent period and reduced tumor multiplicity. Equivalent levels of ω-6 FA increase UVR carcinogenic expression. Dietary ω-3 FA dramatically reduces the plasma and cutaneous pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive PGE2 levels in mice. Dietary ω-6 FA increases prostaglandin E synthase type 2 (PGE2) level. Dietary ω-3 FA significantly reduces the inflammatory response and sustains, or enhances, the delayed type hypersensitivity immune response in mice when compared to an equivalent dietary level of ω-6 FA. Supplementary ω-3 FA significantly increases the UVR-mediated erythema threshold in humans. Supplementary ω-3 FA significantly reduces the level of pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive PGE2 levels in Ultraviolet B-irradiated human skin. © 2006 International Society for Preventive Oncology.