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Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a serious health issue that affects many people around the world. World Kidney Cancer Day is observed every year on the second Thursday of June to raise awareness about the disease. In 2024, it falls on June 20th. This day reminds us to learn about kidney cancer, its symptoms, causes, and treatments. It is important to understand how to reduce the risks and help patients with this disease. Here is what you need to know about kidney cancer.
Regular medical checkups are important in detecting kidney disease, including kidney cancer, because early detection leads to better treatment outcomes. Kidney cancer, in particular, often shows no symptoms in the early stages and can be difficult to detect without regular checkups. Regular medical checkups, including blood and urine tests, can help detect abnormalities that could indicate kidney disease or cancer.
Causes and Symptoms
Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the kidney begin to grow uncontrollably. The exact reason why kidney cancer develops isn’t always clear, but several factors can increase your chances of getting kidney cancer. These factors include smoking, being overweight, high blood pressure, certain genetic conditions, and long-term dialysis.
In the early stages, kidney cancer may not show any obvious signs, but as the cancer progresses, common symptoms may appear, such as blood in the urine, persistent pain in the back or side, a lump or mass in the abdomen, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and occasional fever.
Dr Radheshyam Chaudhary, consultant urologist and kidney transplant specialist at Jupiter Hospital, Pune, says certain populations are more susceptible to kidney diseases and kidney cancer. Factors that may increase the risk of developing these diseases include:
1. Age: The risk of kidney disease and kidney cancer increases with age, especially after age 60.
2. Family History: People with a family history of kidney disease or kidney cancer may be at higher risk of developing these diseases.
3. Gender: In general, men are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease and kidney cancer than women.
4. Smokers: Smoking is a major risk factor for developing kidney cancer, so people who smoke should consider getting regular checkups.
5. Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing kidney cancer. People with a high BMI (body mass index) can benefit from regular screening.
6. High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is also a risk factor for kidney cancer. People with high blood pressure should discuss testing options with their health care provider.
7. Occupational Exposure: Some occupations, such as those involving exposure to certain chemicals or substances, may increase the risk of kidney cancer. People in these occupations should consider regular screening.
5. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, can increase your risk of kidney disease and kidney cancer.
For prostate cancer, risk factors and susceptible populations may differ slightly.
1. Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, especially after age 50. It is rare in men under 40 but becomes more common as men get older.
2. Family History: Men who have a history of prostate cancer, especially in their first-degree relatives, are at higher risk of developing the disease.
3. Lifestyle factors: Diet, exercise, and exposure to certain environmental factors can also affect your risk of developing prostate cancer.
Regular health checks, including screening for kidney disease and prostate cancer, are important for early detection and timely intervention. It is essential that individuals, especially those in susceptible populations, prioritize preventive healthcare, discuss risk factors with their healthcare providers, and determine appropriate screening schedules and tests.
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine an appropriate testing schedule based on your personal risk factors and medical history. Early detection of kidney cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes and overall prognosis.
Screening Technology
Speaking of screening techniques to detect kidney cancer, “We are pleased to be working with City X-ray Scan Clinic to bring this technology to the clinic,” said Dr Aakar Kapoor, CEO and Chief Medical Advisor, City X-ray Scan Clinic. “Various imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan and ultrasound can be used to identify tumours or abnormal growths in the kidney. The use of these tests makes kidney cancer easier to detect and stage. If imaging reveals a worrisome lump, a biopsy may be performed. A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue to check for the presence of malignant cells. This provides details about the type and severity of kidney cancer and helps in a definitive diagnosis.”
While there are no universal screening tests available to the general public yet, people at high risk for kidney cancer should talk to their doctor about screening alternatives. Catching kidney cancer early can mean more treatment options, less invasive procedures, and better long-term survival for affected patients.
According to Dr Prakash Chandra Shetty, Urologist, L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, here are five lifestyle mistakes that can harm your kidneys:
1. Eating junk food: Modern people eat a lot of processed and junk foods that are high in sodium and phosphorus, which can lead to high blood pressure and kidney damage, especially for kidney disease patients who need to limit their phosphorus intake in their diet.
2. Overuse of painkillers: Some people have a habit of frequently taking painkillers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for headaches or joint pain. These drugs can harm the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney cancer over time.
3. Dehydration: Not drinking enough water every day impairs the kidneys’ function and prevents the removal of toxins from the body. Adequate water intake prevents kidney damage by flushing crystals and toxins through urine, reducing the risk of kidney stones and other problems.
4. Smoking and drinking: Regular alcohol consumption increases the risk of chronic kidney disease due to dehydration and high blood pressure. Smoking also increases the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
5. High Protein Diet: Eating too much protein, especially from non-vegetarian foods, puts a strain on your kidneys as they have to work harder to eliminate toxins from your body. Over time, it can lead to kidney diseases.
These lifestyle choices can have serious effects on kidney health, so it’s important to be vigilant and take steps to protect your kidneys.
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