Each year in the United States, about 57,000 men and 18,000 women get bladder cancer, and about 12,000 men and 4,700 women die from the disease.[1] It occurs at a rate roughly 3 times higher in the U.S. than in Asian countries.[2] 70% of cases are non-muscle invasive lesions, which recur frequently but do not often affect mortality, and 30% are muscle invasive, which tend to be provigressive and have poor survival.[3]
Because most people with bladder cancer have recurrences and survive long-term, lifelong monitoring is required. Urothelial carcinoma of the bladder is thought to be significantly influenced by environmental factors, particularly cigarette smoking, which accounts for roughly 50% of all cases.[4]
80% of bladder cancer diagnoses occur in those over 60, with a 3x higher occurrence in men than women, and although it is more prevalent in Caucasians, delayed diagnosis leads to worse prognosis in African American individuals.[6]
Smoking is the largest contributor to bladder cancer occurrence, responsible for 1/2 of all cases, with an increase in risk which persists as long as 20 years after quitting.[7]
Other environmental and occupational toxins have also demonstrated risk, including toxins found commonly in industrial and agricultural settings.
It may also be caused by the infectious agent, Schistosoma haematobium, though this is mainly limited to Africa and the Middle East.
Dietary factors include a higher processed meat intake, while vitamin B12 appears to have a protective effect.[8]
A recent study found that higher intakes of a-linolenic acid content, derived from plant foods, was associated with a 74% lower risk of developing bladder cancer.[9]
Cystoscopy (procedure to see inside bladder and urethra)
Biopsy (sampling of cells collected for further testing)
Imaging (allow the doctor to examine the structures of the urinary tract)
Urine cytology (examination of urine cells under a microscope)
Vitamin D level – Low vitamin D levels have been associated with increased risk for bladder cancer and survival, and the ratio of 25(OH)vitamin D/D binding protein (DBP) may be the most predictive.[10]{11}
Emphasize:
Brightly colored, fresh vegetables, leafy greens and fresh fruits (choose organic if possible)
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc., especially raw broccoli
Foods high in alpha linolenic acid, such as flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, brussel sprouts and soybeans, among others
Whole foods (foods that are as close to their natural form as possible)
Low sugar/low glycemic diet (Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) are measures of the effect on blood glucose level after a food containing carbohydrates is consumed)
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in cold water fish such as sardines, wild-caught salmon, cod, mackerel, tuna
High fiber, from whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruits
Healthy fats, from avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, coconut oil, cold water fish
For animal protein, choose lean poultry and fish over red meat, and aim to view meat as a condiment rather than a staple. Try to choose grass fed and organic meats and eggs whenever possible. Eat no fish larger than a salmon to minimize environmental contaminants, including mercury.
Avoid:
Processed and grilled meats. Also, try to limit intake of red meat
Fast foods, fried foods, baked goods and packaged, processed foods
Sugar, sweeteners and artificial sweeteners
Vegetable oils, shortening, margarine and anything with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils
Derived from the spice turmeric, curcumin has multiple mechanisms of anti-cancer action. Additionally, it may enhance the effects of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), the most commonly used agent for bladder cancer.[20][21]
Doses range depending on type of curcumin, Meriva® and Longvida® have been shown to be much more efficiently absorbed forms.[22][23]
Suggested dose: 1-2g of Meriva® or Longvida® curcumin per day.
Diindolylmethane (DIM), extracted from cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc., has been shown to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and reduce the invasiveness of bladder cancer cells, and may improve chemotherapeutic effectiveness against more resistant cells.[26]
Silymarin and silibinin from milk thistle have anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic properties, and have increased apoptosis (programmed cell death) in bladder cancer cells.[24][25]
Catechins, antioxidants found in green tea, particularly EGCG, have been shown to inhibit bladder cancer cell invasion and spreading (metastasis).[14][15]
Suggested dose: 1g EGCG and mixed catechins per day.
A small trial of vitamin E for patients with low grade bladder cancer significantly reduced cancer recurrence in both smokers and non-smokers.[16] A previous study found that long-term vitamin E supplementation was associated with a 40% reduction in bladder cancer mortality, and some evidence suggests it may enhance the effectiveness of some chemotherapy.[17][18]
Suggested dose: 400 IU of mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols per day.
The antioxidants in quercetin have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells, and protect bladder cancer cells from carcinogenic toxins.[27][28]
Vitamin K-2 (MK-7) has the longest half-life, meaning it is the most stable, of all forms of vitamin K. Shown to improve bone and cardiovascular health, higher intakes of this form have also been associated with reduced cancer occurrence & fatality, and may improve effectiveness of other therapies.[30][31][32]
Multiple nutritional supplements have been associated with reduced cancer incidence and/or cancer progression. This list contains those with the greatest evidence-based benefit.
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