In bladder cancer, malignant tumors develop from bladder lining cells called transitional cells. Transitional cell tumors may remain localized to the bladder lining or they may be invasive, eventually growing into or through the wall of the bladder. Bladder cancer usually strikes people over 55, according to the American Cancer Society. The death rate from bladder cancer has decreased steadily over the past 20 years and today more that 500,000 Americans are survivors of the disease. Certain dietary changes, including eating lots of broccoli, may lower the risk of bladder cancer.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of bladder cancer is not known, but research suggests that mutations to the DNA of bladder cells may be a possible cause. Some of these mutations may be inherited but others may result from exposure to cancer-causing chemicals. People who smoke are twice as likely to develop the disease than those who don't. Other risk factors include chronic bladder inflammation, having had chemotherapy or radiation therapy, not drinking enough fluids, and being Caucasian, since whites have twice the risk of other races.
Prevention
The American Cancer Society lists several strategies that may prevent bladder cancer. It recommends avoiding exposure to certain chemicals, especially those used in the manufacture of rubber, leather, textiles and paints. It also lists not smoking as an important strategy, as well as drinking plenty of water so that the bladder is emptied often. Finally, it indicates that a diet high in certain vegetables may be very important. These include cruciform vegetables such as broccoli.
Broccoli
Broccoli belongs to the cabbage family of cruciform vegetables. It contains several natural compounds called phytochemicals. One class of these, the glucosinolates, may prevent certain cancers, including bladder cancer. When broccoli is chopped or chewing during eating, these compounds convert to isothiocyanates that seem to prevent healthy bladder cells from becoming cancerous. Broccoli sprouts are especially high in these natural components, according to Science Daily, but the fully grown vegetable is also a good source.
The Evidence
There is some evidence supporting the ability of broccoli to prevent cancer. The American Cancer Society describes work from several research labs suggesting that chemicals in broccoli may inhibit growth of cancer cells. For example, in a study titled "Broccoli sprouts: An exceptionally rich source of inducers of enzymes that protect against chemical carcinogens" published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 1997, Dr. J. Fahey found that components in broccoli increase the activity of an enzyme in the body called sulforaphane. The enzyme helps prevent gene mutations that may cause cancer.
Recommendations
Broccoli may be eaten raw or cooked. However, the American Cancer Society states that broccoli is most nutritious when eaten raw and indicates that broccoli grown in the home garden may have more benefit in preventing cancer than broccoli grown commercially. The Society recommends a balanced diet with five or more servings of vegetables daily, including one or more of broccoli. While there is no known risk from eating large amounts of broccoli, raw broccoli may cause some irritation to the colon or diarrhea. A doctor should be consulted before making dietary changes to determine what is appropriate.
References
- American Cancer Society: Bladder Cancer
- Science Daily: Broccoli Packs Powerful Punch To Bladder Cancer Cells
- American Cancer Society: Broccoli
- American Cancer Society: Broccoli and Cauliflower Help Fight Cancer
- PubMed: Broccoli sprouts: an exceptionally rich source of inducers of enzymes that protect against chemical carcinogens.", Fahey J. et al, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 1997.
