Positive Health Online

Abstract

ZEEGERS and co-workers, Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands, mpa.zeegers@epid.unimaas.nl, have reviewed (102 references) the association between smoking, drinking, diet and bladder cancer.

Background

The aim of this study was to systematically review the relationship between smoking history, beverage consumption, diet and the incidence of bladder cancer.

Methodology

A rating system was used to summarize the quality of evidence and the levels of association.

Results

Results and conclusions: There is convincing evidence that cigarette smoking substantially increases the risk of bladder cancer, but the evidence is not clear for other forms of smoking. There is possible evidence that the total consumption of fluids is not associated with bladder cancer. Although there is convincing evidence for a positive association between alcohol consumption and the risk of bladder cancer, the increase in risk is small. Consumption of coffee and tea are is probably not associated with a higher risk, whereas total fruit consumption seems to correlate with a small decrease in the risk of bladder cancer. There was no association found between bladder cancer and total vegetable intake, vitamin A intake, vitamin C intake, and folate intake. There is probably a moderate reduction of the risk of bladder cancer with vitamin E intake and selenium intake.

Conclusion

References

Zeegers MPA, Kellen E, Buntinx F, van den Brandt PA. The association between smoking, beverage consumption, diet and bladder cancer: a systematic literature review. World Journal of Urology 21 (6): 392-401, Feb 2004.

Comment

In light of the mountain of published research regarding so many aspects of nutritional approaches to cancer prevention and treatment, it is surely no longer tenable for the medical profession to continually stonewall and maintain their mantra of no scientific research.