Can Cooking Oils Worsen Risk Of Breast Cancer? What A New Study Reveals

A recent study by Weill Cornell Medicine has found that linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid commonly found in seed oils like soybean, sunflower, and corn oil, may play a significant role in the growth of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)—a fast-spreading, difficult-to-treat form of the disease.

While the findings of this study may raise alarms, it's important to understand the nuances and the context in which this information is relevant. It's not a call to panic but a reminder to reconsider some of our daily dietary habits and how they might be influencing cancer risks.

A Wake-Up Call for Dietary Choices 

In the study, scientists noticed that triple-negative breast cancer cells absorbed linoleic acid through a protein called FABP5. Once inside the cells, this fat activated a pathway known as mTORC1, which is known to fuel cell growth and survival. In simple terms, this means the fat may be giving cancer cells extra fuel to grow.

In lab tests, mice with diets rich in linoleic acid developed larger tumours compared to those on a standard diet. Even more striking, when researchers examined tissue samples from human patients, they saw higher levels of both linoleic acid and the FABP5 protein in those with TNBC, suggesting that what they found in mice could also apply to people.

But before you toss out all your cooking oil, there's something important to understand: linoleic acid is not inherently bad. Our bodies actually need it in small amounts, and seed oils are widely used in many cultures. The issue is not about eliminating these oils completely, but how much we're consuming, especially in diets heavy in processed and fast food.

What Is Linoleic Acid and Why Does It Matter? 

Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, meaning it is necessary for our health and must be obtained through diet. It plays important roles in maintaining skin health, regulating inflammation, and supporting cell membrane structure. However, linoleic acid is predominantly found in processed and seed oils, which have become staples in modern diets due to their affordability and widespread availability.

When consumed in excess, particularly in an unbalanced diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3 fatty acids, linoleic acid can promote chronic inflammation, an underlying factor in the development of cancer and many other diseases. This is where concerns arise: linoleic acid, when taken in excess, may exacerbate inflammation and contribute to the growth of cancerous cells.

Moderation is Key

Experts emphasise that this study doesn't prove seed oils cause cancer, but it adds to growing evidence that excessive intake of certain fats, especially when not balanced with omega-3s (like those found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds), can negatively affect health.

For those already diagnosed with TNBC or at higher risk, researchers believe this could open new doors in treatment and prevention, either by targeting the FABP5 protein or suggesting dietary changes that might help reduce risk.

At the end of the day, it's a reminder of how deeply connected our diet is to our health. The foods we eat every day may not feel powerful, but inside our bodies, they can set off silent chain reactions, some of which we're only just beginning to understand.