The association of fish consumption with bladder cancer risk: a meta-analysis

World J Surg Oncol. 2011 Sep 19:9:107. doi: 10.1186/1477-7819-9-107.

Abstract

Background: The association between fish consumption and risk of bladder cancer has not been established yet. The results from epidemiological studies are inconsistent.

Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies on the relationship between fish intake and bladder cancer. We quantified associations with bladder cancer using meta-analysis of relative risk associated to the highest versus the lowest category of fish intake using random effect models. Heterogeneity among studies was examined using Q and I2 statistics. Publication bias was assessed using the Begg's funnel plot.

Results: Five cohort and 9 case-control studies were eligible for inclusion. The combined relative risk showed that fish consumption was negatively, but not significantly, associated with a decreased risk of bladder cancer (relative risk, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.61-1.12). In subgroup analyses, there was no evidence that study design, geographical region, case sample size, or exposure assessment substantially influenced the estimate of effects.

Conclusion: The overall current literature on fish consumption and the risk of bladder cancer suggested no association. Because of the limited number of studies, further well-designed prospective studies are needed to explore the effect of fish on bladder cancer.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Feeding Behavior*
  • Fishes*
  • Humans
  • Morbidity
  • Risk Assessment / methods*
  • Risk Factors
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* / etiology
  • Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* / prevention & control