Bladder Cancer and Nutrition: What to Eat During Treatment and Recovery

Good nutrition can help people with bladder cancer maintain strength, support recovery and manage treatment side effects. In general, focus on protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and adequate fluids. During treatment, your nutrition needs may change depending on side effects, appetite and weight. Your care team or a registered dietitian can provide individualized guidance. 

What should you eat if you have bladder cancer?

There is no specific bladder cancer diet that is right for everyone. In general, aim for a balanced diet that includes: 

• Protein: Fish, poultry, eggs, beans, lentils, tofu, dairy products and other protein-rich foods can help maintain muscle and support healing. 
• Fruits and vegetables: Choose a variety to provide vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. 
• Whole grains: Foods such as oatmeal, brown rice and whole-grain bread provide nutrients and fiber. 

• Healthy fats: Nuts, seeds, avocado and vegetable oils can provide energy and important nutrients. 

• Fluids: Staying hydrated is important, but individual fluid needs can vary. Ask your health care team how much fluid is appropriate for you. 

Your nutrition needs may change during bladder cancer treatment. If you are losing weight, have a poor appetite or have difficulty eating, getting enough calories and protein may be more important than following your usual healthy eating pattern. A registered dietitian, especially one experienced in oncology nutrition, can help you develop an eating plan based on your treatment, symptoms and nutritional needs. 

https://youtu.be/V8rMfBKps-4

We have great bladder cancer diet recipes for those who wonder what they can make to help them during this process.

How can nutrition help during bladder cancer treatment? 

Eating well during bladder cancer treatment can help you maintain your strength, energy and weight. Treatment can also affect appetite, digestion, taste and the ability to eat normally. Your nutrition plan may need to change temporarily to help manage these side effects. 

Treatment-related nutrition problems can include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, taste changes and other symptoms. (Cancer.gov) 

What should you eat if you have nausea? 

If treatment causes nausea, try eating smaller meals throughout the day. Bland foods such as crackers, toast, rice or plain pasta may be easier to tolerate. Cold or room-temperature foods can also help if food smells make nausea worse. Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms, particularly greasy, fried or spicy foods. 

What should you eat if you have diarrhea?

Diarrhea can cause dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Drink fluids throughout the day and ask your health care team whether you need to replace electrolytes. Temporarily choosing lower-fiber foods may also help. Your care team can tell you when to gradually return to your usual diet.

• Choose small meals.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Consider lower-fiber foods while diarrhea is active.
• Avoid foods that make symptoms worse like greasy or spicy foods.
• Contact your health care team if diarrhea is severe or persistent.

What should you eat if you are constipated? 

Fluids, fiber-rich foods and physical activity may help with constipation when appropriate. Increase fiber gradually and drink enough fluid because adding fiber without adequate fluid can make constipation worse. Ask your health care team about persistent constipation, especially if you are taking medications that can cause it. 

What can help with taste and smell changes? 

Bladder cancer treatment can sometimes change how food tastes or smells. If food tastes metallic, try plastic utensils instead of metal utensils. Cold or room-temperature foods may be easier to tolerate if cooking smells bother you. Try different seasonings and different foods to find flavors that appeal to you. 

What if you are losing weight or do not feel like eating? 

Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss can make it difficult to get enough nutrition during cancer treatment. Try smaller meals and snacks throughout the day and choose foods that provide both protein and calories. Smoothies, soups and other nutrient-rich liquids may be easier to consume when solid foods are difficult. 

Tell your health care team if you are losing weight without trying or are having difficulty eating. A registered dietitian can help develop a nutrition plan based on your individual needs. 

Treatment side effect	Foods/eating strategies that may help
Nausea	Small meals, bland foods, cold or room-temperature foods
Diarrhea	Fluids, small meals, temporarily lower-fiber foods
Constipation	Fluids and fiber-rich foods when appropriate
Taste changes	Try different seasonings, plastic utensils, cold foods
Poor appetite	Small frequent meals, protein- and calorie-rich foods

What foods should you avoid with bladder cancer? 

There is no single food that everyone with bladder cancer must avoid. Your treatment, side effects and other health conditions may affect which foods are best for you. Some people may temporarily need to avoid foods that worsen nausea, diarrhea, mouth sores or other treatment side effects. 

Does sugar make bladder cancer grow? 

Eating sugar has not been shown to make bladder cancer grow. All cells in the body use glucose for energy, including cancer cells, but eliminating sugar from your diet does not starve cancer cells or cure cancer. A healthy overall eating pattern is more important than eliminating all sugar. 

Do artificial sweeteners cause bladder cancer? 

Approved artificial sweeteners have not been shown to cause bladder cancer in humans. Early animal studies raised concerns about saccharin and bladder cancer, but later research did not find the same association in humans. 

What are good recipes for people with bladder cancer? 

Bladder cancer recipes do not require special ingredients. Look for meals that provide protein, nutrients and enough calories to meet your needs. During treatment, choose recipes based on what you can comfortably eat and any side effects you are experiencing. 

Overnight Oats 

Chicken Marinade 

Salmon Patty  

Free nutrition support for bladder cancer patients

BCAN has partnered with Savor Health® to bring personalized nutrition support to help people with bladder cancer eat healthily and stay well-nourished throughout treatment and beyond. Using text messages, you can access knowledge and advice from Ina® that comes directly from registered dietitians, nurses, and doctors who are experts in treating and supporting cancer patients. Registration and unlimited 24/7 access to Ina® is free, safe, and secure. Just enter your cell number to begin your nutrition support.

Frequently asked questions about bladder cancer nutrition 

What is the best diet for bladder cancer? 
There is no single diet proven to treat bladder cancer. In general, eat a balanced diet with adequate protein, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fluids. During treatment, your nutrition needs may change based on your appetite, weight and side effects. 

Are there foods you should avoid with bladder cancer? 
There are no foods that everyone with bladder cancer must avoid. During treatment, you may need to temporarily limit foods that worsen nausea, diarrhea, constipation, mouth sores or other symptoms. 

Does sugar feed bladder cancer? 
Cancer cells use glucose for energy, but so do healthy cells. Research has not shown that eating sugar specifically makes bladder cancer grow or that eliminating sugar can cure bladder cancer. 

What should I eat during bladder cancer treatment? 
Choose foods that help you get enough protein, calories and nutrients. If treatment causes nausea, diarrhea, taste changes or loss of appetite, adjust what and how you eat to manage those symptoms. A registered dietitian can provide individualized recommendations. 

What should I eat after bladder cancer surgery? 
Nutrition needs after surgery depend on the type of procedure and your recovery. Protein and adequate calories can support healing, but your medical team may recommend temporary changes to your diet. Follow your surgeon’s instructions and ask whether a registered dietitian should be part of your care. 

Other bladder cancer nutrition resources 

• National Cancer Institute: Nutrition During Cancer Treatment — excellent support for changing calorie/protein needs, malnutrition and managing eating problems during treatment. 

• NCI: Eating Hints Before, During and After Cancer Treatment  

• American Cancer Society: Nutrition and Physical Activity Guideline for Cancer Survivors — long-term healthy eating and survivorship. 

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