Living with bladder cancer isn’t easy, but thoughtful food choices may help you feel more supported. There’s no single bladder cancer diet that works for everyone, but good nutrition can support your overall health.

Your treatment, side effects, appetite, weight, and other health conditions can shape which foods fit your needs. This article shares four foods and drinks that may help you get more nutrients, maintain strength, and stay hydrated during treatment.

🗳️ Have you tried changing your diet during bladder cancer treatment?

Yes, and it helped

Yes, but it didn’t help

I tried, but it was hard to stick with

No, I haven’t tried changing how I eat

Thanks! You've successfully submitted your vote.

Sign up to view the results!

Continue with Facebook

Continue with Google

Continue with Email

By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.

Already a member? Log In

Foods To Consider During Bladder Cancer Treatment

Bladder cancer and its treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy, can affect appetite, digestion, and taste.

Whether you have muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) or non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), your healthcare team or a registered dietitian can tailor nutrition advice to your symptoms and treatment plan.

Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants (nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and carotenoids). They help protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules.

Some antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables include:

• Berries
• Citrus fruits
• Leafy greens
• Tomatoes
• Bell peppers
• Watermelon
• Broccoli
• Kale
• Apples
• Carrots

Cruciferous vegetables may have some additional benefits. Cruciferous vegetables are a group of vegetables that include:

• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Kale

These vegetables contain isothiocyanates, natural compounds that researchers have studied for potential effects on bladder cancer risk and outcomes.

Some studies suggest that people who eat more cruciferous vegetables may have a lower risk of bladder cancer, but more research is needed to know for sure. Researchers are also still studying how these vegetables might help people who already have bladder cancer.

Even so, a healthy eating pattern for cancer prevention includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. These foods also provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other substances that support general health.

Cancer and its treatments can weaken the immune system. To lower the risk of foodborne illness during treatment, follow safe produce habits, such as:

• Washing fruits and vegetables under running water before peeling or cutting them
• Scrubbing produce with thick skins or rinds using a clean vegetable brush
• Rinsing leafy greens one leaf at a time
• Rinsing packaged salads and slaw mixes again, even if they’re labeled “prewashed”
• Avoiding raw vegetable sprouts
• Throwing away slimy or moldy produce
• Skipping precut produce, such as cut melon, at the store

Foods like oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, and whole-grain bread provide fiber, which can help prevent or ease constipation — a common treatment side effect.

However, fiber may not be helpful for every side effect. If you have diarrhea during treatment, for instance, your healthcare team may recommend eating less fiber for a short time.

If you’re having digestive problems, talk with your healthcare provider or dietitian about how much fiber is right for you. Your needs may change depending on your symptoms and treatment.

Whole grains can also be part of a healthy eating pattern. The American Cancer Society includes whole grains among the foods in a healthy eating pattern for cancer prevention.

During cancer treatment, maintaining muscle mass and strength is key. Chemotherapy can contribute to reduced muscle strength and increased fatigue. Getting enough protein can help you maintain your strength during treatment.

Here are some protein options:

• Fish
• Chicken
• Eggs
• Tofu
• Beans
• Lentils

Some foods may be easier to tolerate than others depending on your symptoms.

If you are losing weight, have a poor appetite, or have difficulty eating, getting enough calories and protein may be especially important. A registered dietitian can suggest meals and snacks that match your treatment, symptoms, and nutrition goals.

Hydration is important during cancer treatment. Staying hydrated can help replace fluids your body may lose from treatment side effects, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Hydration needs vary depending on your health, environment, and treatment.

If you’re not sure how much fluid you need, ask your doctor or oncology dietitian for guidance.

For variety or if water tastes unpleasant during your cancer treatment, consider infusing your water with these ingredients for a hint of flavor:

• Fresh ginger
• Mint
• Cucumber
• Cinnamon
• Citrus slices
• Berries
• A small amount of fruit juice

Diarrhea can cause dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium and potassium that help your body hold on to water and keep your muscles and nerves working well. If you’re experiencing diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, or fever, ask your healthcare team whether you need electrolytes.

Talk to Your Doctor

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients can help your body during and after bladder cancer treatment. These tips are a good starting point, but it’s important to talk to your doctor and a dietitian for advice that fits your needs.

If you have non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer, your treatment plan and outlook can depend on many factors beyond diet. Your healthcare team can help you understand how nutrition fits into your overall care.

By choosing foods that meet your individual needs and identifying options that might irritate your bladder, you can play an active role in supporting your health during bladder cancer treatment.