Cruciferous veg again linked to bladder cancer protection

An increased intake of cruciferous vegetables may slash the risk of bladder cancer by 36 per cent (benefits were limited to raw vegetables), according to a report in the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, while no benefits were observed for the consumption of fruit and other vegetables.

The Roswell Park researchers collected dietary data from 275 hospital-based bladder cancer patients and 825 cancer-free people, and found that those who consumed the highest consumption of raw cruciferous vegetables was associated with a 36 per cent reduction in bladder cancer risk.

Furthermore, stronger protective effects were observed among current and heavy smokers with an intake of three or more servings of raw cruciferous vegetables per month associated with a 54 and 40 per cent reduction, respectively.

"Cooking can substantially reduce or destroy isothiocyanates, and could account for study inconsistencies," stated the authors.