Positive Health Online

Abstract

STEINMAUS and colleagues, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California at San Francisco USA write that in 1996 there were more than 300,000 new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed worldwide.

Background

Methodology

Apart from tobacco smoking, occupation and other factors, diet may play a role in the cause of this illness. The authors conducted a meta-analysis to review the epidemiological studies linking six dietary factors to bladder cancer. These factors included retinol, beta-carotene, fruits, vegetables, meat and fat.

Results

There were increased risks of bladder cancer associated with diets low in fruit intake (relative risk (RR) = 1.40), and slightly increased risks associated with diets low in vegetable intake (RR - 1.16). There were increased risks identified in diets high in fat intake (RR = 1.37), but not for diets high in meat intake (RR = 1.08). No increased risks were identified for diets low in retinol (RR = 1.01), or beta-carotene (RR = 1.10) intake.

Conclusion

These data suggest that a diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in fat may help prevent bladder cancer; however, the individual dietary components responsible for reducing risk remain undetermined.

References

Steinmaus CM et al. Diet and bladder cancer: a meta-analysis of six dietary variables. American Journal of Epidemiology 151(7): 693-702. 1 Apr 2000.