Editing Fat (section)

====Cancer====
Levels of oleic acid along with other MUFAs in red blood cell membranes were positively associated with breast cancer risk. The [[saturation index]] (SI) of the same membranes was inversely associated with breast cancer risk. MUFAs and low SI in erythrocyte membranes are predictors of postmenopausal breast cancer. Both of these variables depend on the activity of the enzyme [[delta-9 desaturase]] (Δ9-d).<ref name="pala2001" />

Results from [[observational study|observational clinical trials]] on PUFA intake and cancer have been inconsistent and vary by numerous factors of cancer incidence, including gender and genetic risk.<ref name="nihw2016" /> Some studies have shown associations between higher intakes and/or blood levels of omega-3 PUFAs and a decreased risk of certain cancers, including breast and colorectal cancer, while other studies found no associations with cancer risk.<ref name="nihw2016" /><ref name="patt2011xk" />