Nutrition and lifestyle strategies for urologic cancer prevention

While no lifestyle change can fully eliminate the risk of developing urologic cancers, growing evidence suggests that nutrition, activity, and overall health habits play a significant role in prevention and recovery. For individuals with or at risk for bladder, kidney, prostate, or testicular cancer, even small daily changes can make a meaningful difference.

Kenneth G. Nepple, MD, a urologist at UI Health Care, works with patients across the spectrum—from those undergoing active treatment to long-term survivors. He emphasizes that urologic cancer care extends beyond surgery and medication.

“Lifestyle modification is a powerful tool in cancer prevention and survivorship,” Nepple says. “Our goal is to empower patients with strategies they can control—habits that support not just their cancer outcomes but their overall health.”

Patients often ask what diet is “best” for reducing cancer risk. While no single food guarantees protection, diets high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats are consistently linked to lower inflammation and better cellular health.

“A plant-forward diet offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that are especially helpful in lowering the risk of bladder and prostate cancers,” Nepple says. “We encourage patients to eat a variety of colorful foods—what we call ‘eating the rainbow.’”

Foods with known protective benefits include:

• Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, which help the body detoxify carcinogens
• Berries, rich in antioxidants that support immune function
• Leafy greens, high in vitamins and fiber
• Tomatoes, a source of lycopene, which may reduce prostate cancer risk
• Legumes and whole grains, which promote metabolic balance and reduce inflammation

In contrast, eating a lot of processed meats, saturated fats, and added sugars is associated with increased cancer risk. Many patients who adopt a Mediterranean-style or DASH diet see additional benefits, including improved cardiovascular and kidney health.

For individuals at risk for bladder cancer or those managing a urologic condition, drinking water matters — but so does the source and balance.

“We advise patients to stay well-hydrated, which helps flush the urinary tract and dilute potential irritants,” says Nepple. “But we also caution against overconsuming fluids with high levels of artificial sweeteners or dyes, particularly in sugary sodas or energy drinks.”

Filtered tap water is the safest and most affordable option for most people. Green tea, which is rich in catechins, also offers potential anti-cancer properties when consumed without added sugar.

Regular movement supports everything from immune strength to mental clarity. Patients who maintain consistent exercise routines during and after treatment often experience improved recovery, reduced fatigue, and better emotional resilience.

“We’re not asking people to run marathons,” Nepple says. “Even 30 minutes of brisk walking, five days a week, can improve hormone balance, reduce inflammation, and help manage weight — each of which contributes to lower cancer risk.”

Strength training and flexibility exercises are also important, particularly for those recovering from abdominal or pelvic surgeries.

Tobacco use remains one of the most significant modifiable risk factors for bladder and kidney cancer. Even light smoking increases the presence of carcinogens in urine, putting stress on the lining of the urinary tract.

“We can’t overstate how important smoking cessation is,” says Nepple. “Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful decisions someone can make for both cancer prevention and surgical recovery.”

While alcohol is not directly linked to all urologic cancers, it contributes to general cancer risk. It should be consumed in moderation — or avoided entirely — especially for patients with liver or kidney issues.

Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with higher rates of aggressive prostate and kidney cancers. Achieving and maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) helps reduce the risk of cancer returning, and it improves surgical outcomes.

“Patients who maintain a healthy weight tend to recover faster and respond better to treatment,” Nepple says. “But more importantly, they reduce their overall risk of developing a urologic cancer in the first place.”

He also notes that patients who focus on gradual, sustainable changes — rather than short-term fixes — tend to be more successful in the long run.

Cancer care includes mental and emotional health. Anxiety, depression, and stress impact everything from hormone levels to treatment adherence.

“Lifestyle includes mental and emotional health,” says Nepple. “We encourage patients to seek counseling, connect with support groups, and find outlets — like journaling, mindfulness, or time in nature — that reduce stress.”

At UI Health Care, patients have access to oncology social workers, integrative health specialists, and nutritionists trained to support them at every step.

Urologic cancer prevention and survivorship require ongoing attention — but the benefits extend far beyond cancer-specific outcomes.

“It’s not about perfection — it’s about progress,” Nepple says. “Even small, consistent changes can shift your health trajectory in a meaningful way.”