Can cooking oil cause breast cancer: Health experts are sounding the alarm about the overuse of certain cooking oils, especially seed and vegetable oils, which may be doing more harm than good. A new study from Weill Cornell Medicine has found a possible link between common ingredients in cooking oils and aggressive breast cancer.
The focus is on linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in common seed oils like soybean oil, corn oil and safflower oil, as well as in animal products like pork and eggs. While it’s been marketed as “heart-healthy” for years, new research suggests that too much of it might be risky, especially for women.
Seed Oil Linked To Aggressive Breast Cancer
Published on March 14 in the journal Science, the study looked at the impact of linoleic acid on breast cancer cells. Researchers discovered that this fat seems to fuel the growth of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) the most aggressive and hardest-to-treat type of breast cancer. Unlike other breast cancers, TNBC doesn’t respond to hormonal therapy and spreads quickly.
In lab experiments and mouse models, a diet high in linoleic acid sped up the growth of TNBC tumors. Scientists found that the fat activates a certain protein in cancer cells, making them grow faster. Interestingly, this reaction was only seen in triple-negative tumors, not in other types of breast cancer.
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Aggressive Breast Cancer Risk In Young Women
Triple-negative breast cancer has a lower survival rate (around 77%) compared to more common forms (about 90%). It’s often diagnosed in younger women and tends to spread quickly to other parts of the body.
While the study is still in its early stages and doesn’t prove that seed oils cause cancer, it does highlight a potential risk. Researchers say it’s a step toward understanding how diet could play a role in cancer growth and how we might use that knowledge to create better food guidelines or even new treatments.
Should You Stop Using Seed Oils?
The takeaway isn’t to panic or throw away all your cooking oil. But it might be wise to rethink how often you use oils like soybean, corn, and safflower in your meals. Consider balancing your fats with healthier options like olive oil or avocado oil, which are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
This new research adds to growing concerns about ultra-processed foods and high-omega-6 diets. Many processed snacks, salad dressings, and restaurant meals are made with seed oils, so reading labels and making mindful choices could make a difference.
Too much linoleic acid, found in many common seed oils, could be linked to the growth of aggressive breast cancer cells. While more research is needed, cutting back on seed oils and focusing on a balanced, whole-food diet may help lower your risk.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Please refer to a medical professional for personalized guidance.
