More than 70,000 cases of bladder were diagnosed in 2010, according to the American Cancer Society. The condition is most prevalent among men over the age of 55. Previous bladder and urinary conditions and smoking are among the risk factors for the disease. You may be able to prevent bladder cancer by eating certain foods. Discuss your diet with your doctor if you are concerned about your risks.
Fluids
Fluids in general can reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer, according to Ohio State University's Comprehensive Cancer Center. Studies performed at the center between 1986 and 1994 showed that men who drank a variety of liquids, including water, carbonated soft drinks, coffee, fruit juices, tea and alcoholic beverages, indicated a lower incidence of bladder cancer . Water was determined to reduce the risk of bladder cancer more than other fluids; particularly when consumed in great quantities of up to 12 cups daily. Drinking just six 8-oz. glasses of water each day cuts a male's risk of bladder cancer almost in half.
Cranberry juice may also have a beneficial effect on bladder cancer. The June 2008 issue of "Oncology Reports" summarized results from animal studies performed by the University of Alabama's Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology involving the administration of cranberry juice concentrate to rats. The rats were chemically induced with bladder cancers; the group given cranberry juice were found to have 38 percent less cancer than the control group.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables of all kinds contain vitamins and minerals beneficial to your health, including some antioxidants that can reduce your risk of many types of cancer. The Ohio State University studied more than 60 kinds of produce between 1986 and 1994 and reported in 1999 that cabbage and broccoli, classified as cruciferous vegetables, may reduce your risk of bladder cancer.
Vitamin E
The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center studied the effect of vitamin E on bladder cancer over five years and reported in March 2004 that one form of the vitamin, called alpha-tocopherol, can reduce your risk of developing bladder cancer. This form of vitamin E is naturally occurring in a wide variety of foods, including bell peppers, spinach, almonds, sunflower and safflower oils. Consuming these foods rich in alpha-tocopherol and cooking with these oils may reduce your risk up to 42 percent, according to Ladia Hernandez, a research dietitian working in the cancer center's Department of Epidemiology.
Nutrition During Treatment
Nutrition is very important not only to prevent bladder cancer but also during chemotherapy if you are being treated for the condition. Chemotherapy can kill your appetite along with the cancerous cells and may interfere with the taste of foods that you normally like. Your strength may also be sapped during treatment, making nutrition all the more important. For this reason, eating foods that deliver the most nutrition is crucial. Try to include at least five fruits or vegetables in your daily diet, as well as whole grains that give you fiber, and lean proteins to help maintain your strength. Cut back on snack foods that are high in fat and low in nutritional value. Eat small meals or snacks every few hours instead of three main meals if you are plagued with nausea during your treatment for bladder cancer.
References
- The Ohio State University Research News; Drinking Water, Eating Broccoli Reduce Bladder-Cancer Risk; Darrell E. Ward; May 1999
- Bladder Cancer WebCafe: Nutrition
- "Oncology Reports"; Effect of Cranberry Juice Concentrate on Chemically-Induced Urinary Bladder Cancers; Jeevan K. Prasain et al.; June 2008
- Science Daily; One Form Of Vitamin E Appears Beneficial in Reducing Bladder Cancer Risk; March 2004
- American Cancer Society; Bladder Cancer Detailed Guide; August 2010
- MD Anderson Cancer Center News Release; One Form of Vitamin E Appears Beneficial in Reducing Bladder Cancer Risk; March 2004
