Men who consume more cholesterol and animal fats have a higher risk of developing bladder cancer. This is the conclusion of new global research funded by the World Cancer Research Fund. The fact that diet may play a role in bladder cancer offers more possibilities for reducing the risk of this common form of cancer. That reports ANP Expert Support.
The research shows that cholesterol and animal fats, especially in men, are associated with a higher risk of bladder cancer. The researchers found that women had a lower risk of bladder cancer when they ingested certain types of unsaturated fats and vegetable oils through food (examples are olive oil, peanut oil, corn germ oil and sunflower oil).
Cholesterol
High cholesterol is mainly caused by a diet high in saturated fats, obesity and too little exercise. A healthy diet according to the Wheel of Five, a healthy weight and a healthy lifestyle with sufficient exercise and not smoking reduce the risk of an elevated cholesterol level.
Bladder cancer in the Netherlands
About 7,000 people in the Netherlands are diagnosed with bladder cancer every year. Bladder cancer is about 3 times more common in men than in women. It is in the top 10 of most common cancers in both men and women. It is the sixth most common cancer in men and the seventh most common in women.
Risks of getting bladder cancer
Smoking was already known to be the main risk factor for bladder cancer. Smokers are about 3 times more likely to develop bladder cancer than non-smokers.
The new research now indicates that diet can also play a role in whether or not you get bladder cancer, which is important for measures aimed at reducing the risk of this disease.
By: National Care Guide