A new study from Weill Cornell Medicine links a common cooking oil fat to aggressive breast cancer, specifically triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). While the finding adds to important scientific discussions, Thai researchers urge caution and context. Nutrition decisions should be balanced and based on overall diet, not on a single study or ingredient.
In Thailand, everyday cooking often relies on soybean, sunflower, and corn oils. These oils are rich in linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid essential for health but contested in current research. The New York study suggests linoleic acid can activate pathways that may promote TNBC growth in certain biological contexts, particularly when the FABP5 protein is also elevated. Researchers observed in animal studies that this interaction can trigger the mTORC1 pathway, which drives cell growth and metabolism, potentially accelerating tumor progression. Patients with TNBC showed higher levels of both FABP5 and linoleic acid in their blood, according to the study.
For Thai audiences, cancer remains a leading health concern, and many households frequently use the oils implicated in the study. Yet experts emphasize moderation and perspective. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid the body cannot synthesize, necessary for skin health, cell membranes, and inflammation control. The issue is not the presence of this fat, but its proportion in the diet.
Global and Thai dietary patterns have shifted toward more omega-6–rich processed oils, while omega-3 intake from fish, flaxseeds, and nuts has not kept pace. This imbalance can contribute to chronic inflammation, a risk factor for several diseases, including some cancers. The latest research identifies a plausible mechanism for how linoleic acid could influence cancer growth, but only in specific contexts where the nutrient and FABP5 are both elevated. Large-scale analyses, including a 2023 meta-analysis, found no clear overall link between linoleic acid intake and general breast cancer risk. Some observational works even suggested protective effects.
Health professionals caution against overreacting to a single study. Genetic factors, total diet, lifestyle, and environmental influences all shape cancer risk. For the average Thai, the guidance remains: eat a varied, balanced diet and maintain overall healthy lifestyle choices.
Global health authorities continue to support moderate use of vegetable oils and emphasize that body weight and obesity are primary cancer risk drivers. In Thailand, rising rates of overweight and metabolic syndrome—particularly in cities—underscore the importance of not relying on any one nutrient as a sole risk factor. Nutrition experts advise focusing on a wholesome diet: limit ultraprocessed foods, increase fresh fruits and vegetables, and diversify fats to include omega-3 sources such as oily fish and locally available nuts.
Thai dietary history shows a shift from traditional oils like coconut oil and animal fats toward cheaper seed oils and convenience foods. This transition aligns with rising chronic disease trends, highlighting the need for mindful choices rather than blanket restrictions on specific oils.
What’s next? The researchers hope to advance personalized nutrition, tailoring advice to genetics, cancer subtypes, or metabolic markers. For patients with high FABP5, targeted guidance might involve moderating linoleic acid and boosting omega-3 intake. For the broader population, the core message remains: eat a balanced mix of foods from all five groups, in moderation.
Bottom line for Thailand: avoid fear-based conclusions about every bottle of cooking oil. Prioritize variety, quality, and moderation. Favor less processed oils and consider olive oil or cold-pressed alternatives for dressings, while increasing fresh vegetables, fish, and Thai nuts. Reducing fried and highly processed snacks supports overall health and may lower cancer risk broadly.
Health professionals recommend practical steps: use cooking oils in moderation, diversify oil choices, and emphasize whole, minimally processed foods. If you have a family history of cancer or specific concerns, seek personalized guidance from a healthcare provider or registered dietitian. The adage “eat a balanced diet, in Thai, อาหารครบ 5 หมู่” remains a reliable foundation for health.
In summary, Thai readers should not panic over cooking oils. Instead, adopt a holistic approach to diet and lifestyle, prioritizing whole foods and diverse fats to support long-term health.