Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
Blood in the urine (hematuria):
This is one of the most common signs of . Blood may give the urine a pink, red, or cola-colored appearance.
Lower back pain:
Persistent pain or discomfort in the lower back or side, usually on one side, may occur. It can range from a dull ache to sharp pain.
A mass or lump in the abdomen:
In some cases, a palpable mass or lump may be felt in the abdomen or side of the body where the kidney is located.
Fatigue:
Feeling tired or weak without a clear reason can be a symptom . This is often due to anemia, a condition caused by a decrease in red blood cell count.
Unintentional weight loss:
Significant and unexplained weight loss may occur in some individuals with kidney cancer.
Loss of appetite:
A decrease in appetite and a general feeling of fullness even after eating small amounts of food can be a symptom.
Persistent fever:
Occasionally, kidney cancer may cause a persistent fever that is not related to an infection or other obvious cause.
Swelling in the legs and ankles:
Kidney cancer can sometimes lead to the accumulation of fluid in the legs and ankles, causing swelling (edema).
The exact cause of kidney cancer is often unknown. However, certain risk factors have been identified that can increase a person’s chances of developing the disease. These risk factors include:
Smoking:
Tobacco use, including cigarette smoking, is one of the most significant risk factors for kidney cancer. Smokers are at a higher risk compared to non-smokers.
Age:
The risk of kidney cancer increases with age. Most people diagnosed with kidney cancer are over 45 years old.
Obesity:
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer. The excess body weight may lead to hormonal changes and inflammation, which can contribute to the development of cancer cells.
High blood pressure (hypertension):
There is evidence that long-term high blood pressure can increase the risk of kidney cancer.
Occupational exposure:
Certain workplace exposures to chemicals such as asbestos, cadmium, and organic solvents have been linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer.
While it may not be possible to completely prevent kidney cancer, certain precautions can help reduce the risk or detect the disease at an early stage. Here are some precautions you can consider:
Don’t smoke: If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce your risk of kidney cancer. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke as well.
Maintain a healthy weight: Adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight. This can help reduce the risk of kidney cancer, as obesity is a known risk factor.
Stay hydrated: Drink an adequate amount of water each day to maintain good kidney health. Staying well-hydrated is important for the proper functioning of your kidneys.
Eat a healthy diet: Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Limit the consumption of processed foods, red meat, and foods high in saturated fats.
Control blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, work with your healthcare provider to keep it under control. Regular monitoring and lifestyle modifications may be recommended.
While the exact cause of kidney cancer is often unknown, certain risk factors such as smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, occupational exposures, family history, gender, and certain kidney diseases have been identified. Taking precautions can help reduce the risk of kidney cancer, including quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, staying hydrated, adopting a healthy diet, controlling blood pressure, protecting against occupational exposures, being aware of family history, and undergoing regular check-ups and screenings. Best cancer hospital in hyderabad
