The National Cancer Institute reports that approximately 4.3 per 100,000 persons died from bladder cancer between 2003 and 2007. Leading a healthy lifestyle filled with physical activity and eating a healthy diet rich in nutrients can help prevent many types of cancers. Once diagnosed, mortality due to bladder cancer may be reduced with the help of certain vitamins. Consultation with a physician should occur before beginning any type of alternative therapy. Alternative treatments are not for everyone and may have negative reactions with other medications a patient is taking.
Vitamin E
A study published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" in 2002 found that vitamin E supplements may be associated with a decreased risk of mortality due to bladder cancer. This study followed 991,522 people for six years and analyzed bladder cancer development. The results showed a decreased risk associated with vitamin E supplements over a period of 10 years or more. Vitamin E may be found in most pharmacies in pill form. Vitamin E is not a fail-safe method of preventing mortality due to bladder cancer.
Megadose Vitamin Supplements
Risk of mortality due to bladder cancer may be decreased when patients are given a megadose vitamin supplement pill. A study published in "The Journal of Urology" in 1994 found that patients given a megadose of vitamins A, B6, C, E and zinc had a lower recurrence of bladder cancer than those who did not receive the vitamins. Megadose vitamins are not for everyone. More research needs to be done in order to prove their true effectiveness.
Carotene
Increased carotene intake, including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lycopene, is associated with a decreased risk for developing bladder cancer. A study published in the "International Journal of Cancer" in 2004 analyzed vitamin and mineral dietary effects on bladder cancer. The study reported a decrease in bladder cancer with a diet rich in lycopene and carotenoids, such as beta- and alpha-carotenes. Carotenoids are found in many vegetables. The study found that broccoli yielded the best results against bladder cancer.
References
- National Cancer Institute: SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Urinary Bladder
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; Vitamin C and Vitamin E Supplement Use and Bladder Cancer Mortality in a Large Cohort of US Men and Women; Jacobs, Eric J., et al.; Nov 2002
- "The Journal of Urology"; Megadose vitamins in bladder cancer: a double-blind clinical trial; Lamm, DL, et al.; Jan 1994
- "International Journal of Cancer"; Carotenoids/vitamin C and smoking-related bladder cancer; Castealo, Esteban J., et al.; Mar 2004
