Your Kitchen Oil Could Be Fueling Deadly Breast Cancer, Experts Warn

Could your everyday cooking oil be doing more harm than good? Health experts are now warning about the possible risks of using too much seed and vegetable oils in your diet. A new study by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine has found that linoleic acid, a fat commonly found in oils like soybean, sunflower, safflower, and even in some animal products like pork and eggs, could be linked to the growth of a dangerous type of breast cancer.

This type of cancer is known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), and it’s considered one of the most aggressive and hard-to-treat forms of the disease. Unlike other breast cancers, TNBC doesn’t respond to hormonal therapy or treatments that target the HER2 protein. It spreads quickly and is known for its lower survival rate — about 77 per cent, compared to around 90 per cent for more common types of b reast cancer.

What did the researchers find?

According to scientists, linoleic acid can attach itself to a protein called FABP5 (Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5), which is found in high amounts in TNBC cells. Once attached, it activates a growth pathway in the cancer cells that causes them to grow and spread rapidly.

To test this, the researchers conducted experiments on mice. They found that mice fed a diet high in linoleic acid developed faster-growing tumours compared to those on a low-linoleic acid diet. This suggests that regularly consuming oils high in this fat may help fuel the growth of aggressive cancer cells.

Dr John Blenis, senior author of the study and a cancer researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine, said, “This discovery helps us better understand the relationship between diet and cancer. It also opens doors to new dietary strategies that could lower cancer risk, especially for those who may already be more vulnerable.”

Should you stop using seed oils?

The findings don’t mean you need to completely cut out seed or vegetable oils, but health experts advise using them in moderation. These oils have been widely promoted as healthy alternatives to saturated fats found in butter or ghee, but too much of anything can be harmful, and this new study is adding to a growing debate about the effects of omega-6 fatty acids on our health.

Linoleic acid is a type of omega-6 fat, and while our body needs it in small amounts, a diet too rich in omega-6 and too low in omega-3 can create an imbalance that may lead to inflammation — a known contributor to many diseases, including cancer.

Healthier options to consider

If you’re concerned, consider replacing some of your seed oil intake with healthier fats. Options like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, and nuts are rich in good fats that support heart and brain health. Also, try to add more omega-3-rich foods to your meals, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.

While more studies are needed to confirm the long-term effects of linoleic acid, taking small steps to reduce the overuse of seed oils and maintain a balanced fat intake could go a long way in protecting you from chronic conditions — including aggressive breast cancer.