The effect of dietary intake of fish (menhaden) oil and fish (cod) protein on the development of pancreatic preneoplastic lesions was examined in male Wistar rats. Fourteen-day-old animals were given a single ip injection of 30 mg L-azaserine/kg body weight [CAS: 115-02-6; diazoacetate serine (ester)]. At 21 days of age they were weaned and maintained on dietary treatment for 4 months. Fish protein did not appear to produce a significantly different preneoplastic response when compared to casein as a protein source. However, a 20% menhaden oil diet, rich in omega 3 fatty acids, produced a significant decrease in the development of both the size and number of preneoplastic lesions when compared to a 20% corn oil diet rich in omega 6 fatty acids. This study provides evidence that fish oils, rich in omega 3 fatty acids, may have potential as inhibitory agents in cancer development.