Bladder cancer is a common form of cancer that usually originates in the cells that line the bladder. Symptoms may include frequent and painful urination and blood in the urine. According to the U.K. National Health Service's website, NHS Choices, cases of bladder cancer that remain confined to the lining of the bladder are highly treatable. Although radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the mainstays of bladder cancer treatment, supplements may support conventional cancer treatments. Get medical advice before incorporating supplements into your treatment plan.
Examples
The A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research notes that several supplements may benefit bladder cancer patients including green tea and vitamin D. A popular thirst quencher in many parts of the world, green tea contains polyphenol compounds which may shut off energy supply to cancer cells. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that may benefit bladder cancer patients by hindering the activity of enzymes needed for cancer cell growth.
Sources and Administration
Vitamin D is found in a variety of foods, including oily fish, yogurt and Swiss cheese. Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is also made by the body when sunlight strikes the skin. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Green tea may be taken as a beverage or in capsules or tablets. Guidance regarding the amount of green tea and vitamin D required to support cancer treatment is lacking. Ask your doctor or oncologist for guidance.
Effectiveness
Few clinical studies have evaluated the role of green tea in the treatment of bladder cancer. However, the results of a study published in the August 2009 issue of "Biomedical Research" show that green tea compounds induce bladder cancer cell death. Studies examining the effects of vitamin D on bladder cancer are also limited, but research findings published in the November 2010 issue of "Cancer Research" low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer in men who smoke.
Safety Considerations
Green tea is likely safe for most people, according to MedlinePlus, but consuming more than five cups daily may cause side effects including headaches, tremor, insomnia and irritability. Taking green tea extract in capsules or tablets is also likely safe, but it may cause stomach upset. Green tea may reduce the effectiveness of the cancer drug, bortezomib. Don't use green tea if you are taking this drug. Using vitamin D supplements may increase the risk of developing kidney stones, the Office of Dietary Supplements warns.
References
- NHS Choices: Bladder Cancer
- A.P. John Institute for Cancer Research: Bladder Cancer
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- "Biomedical Research";Induction of Apoptosis in Human Bladder Cancer Cells by Green Tea Catechins; B.J. Philips et al.; August 2009
- "Cancer Research"; Serum Vitamin D and Risk of Bladder Cancer; A.M. Mondul, et al.; November 2010
- MedlinePlus: Green Tea
