Breast cancer continues to represent a major public-health challenge worldwide, ranking as the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and a leading cause of female cancer mortality. Although remarkable advances have been achieved in early detection and multimodal therapy, the disease’s heterogeneity, drug resistance, and post-treatment recurrence limit curative success. The global interest in nutraceuticals bioactive dietary components providing health benefits beyond basic nutrition has intensified as part of integrative oncology. Among them, Linum usitatissimum (flaxseed) stands out as an ancient crop with modern scientific validation. Flaxseed is an exceptionally rich source of lignans, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) proteins and soluble dietary fibers. These constituents exert complementary actions such as modulation of estrogen signaling, inhibition of oxidative stress, regulation of apoptotic and inflammatory pathways and epigenetic gene control. Collectively, these mechanisms may impede mammary carcinogenesis, suppress tumor growth and improve systemic health indices including lipid and hormonal balance. This review comprehensively evaluates flaxseed’s botanical profile, phytochemical composition, mechanisms of action and pharmacological evidences related to breast-cancer prevention and management. It further highlights nutraceutical formulation strategies, safety considerations and translational prospects presenting flaxseed as a scientifically credible and accessible functional food for long-term wellness.
Anjali M. Wanegaonkar*, Swati Gaikwad, Shruti Satpute, Tanvi Virkud, Nisha Maji, Shrutika Patil (Wed,) studied this question.