Kidney cancer is a malignant tumor that grows within the kidney. It is one of the most common cancers in the United States and is also one of the deadliest. While there are many different types of kidney cancer, your risk may be increased by certain factors. Understanding these causes can help you reduce your chance of developing or catching this disease before it becomes too late to treat effectively.
Smoking
Smoking is one of the most common causes of kidney cancer, affecting both men and women. The risk of developing kidney cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked. It also increases with the amount which a person inhales when smoking. Although many tobacco products exist, cigarettes remain the primary source of exposure to tobacco-related carcinogens.
Studies show that people who smoke have more than double the rate of kidney cancer compared to those who never smoked. In addition, smokers may also be at an increased risk for other types of cancers. These include lung, mouth/throat, esophageal, bladder, and cervical cancer, depending on how long they have been smoking.
If you are currently a smoker or ex-smoker, you should speak with your doctor about ways to reduce this risk by quitting or reducing the number of cigarettes smoked daily.
Consuming Contaminated Water
Drinking water contaminated with agricultural pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers can increase your risk of kidney cancer. These chemicals can cause DNA damage in the kidneys, the same kind of damage that can lead to cancer.
The same is true for arsenic in drinking water. Arsenic may be found naturally in some rocks and soil, which gives them color. But, it also gets into our drinking water from coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources. Drinking too much arsenic over time can cause leukemia, lung disease, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and colon cancer. Arsenic has also been linked to kidney disease, which could eventually lead to cancerous tumors developing in the kidneys.
Some places even have laws due to the increasing threat they pose to the people that may have suffered health issues or diseases due to contaminated water. One example is the Camp Lejeune Kidney Cancer Lawsuit to help patients get their compensation. Many individuals at Camp Lejeune were exposed to hazardous compounds in the water, such as tetrachloroethylene, vinyl chloride, and benzene.
These caused them to develop kidney cancer. It led to the formation of the lawsuit, which has since demonstrated its value in assisting individuals obtaining justice who suffered from this disease.
Genetics
Suppose you have a family member diagnosed with kidney cancer, and your chances of being diagnosed with the same disease increase. The reason for this is genetics, and your genes can play a role in how your body processes certain substances and how well it responds to treatment. Fourteen distinct genetic disorders have been found to elevate the chance of developing kidney cancer in research by the National Cancer Institute.
So, if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, talk to your doctor about whether genetic testing might be proper for you. Your doctor may suggest that genetic counseling could help answer any questions that might arise during the process. In addition, it can help ease anxiety and allow for more straightforward communication between doctors and patients about what’s best for their health. For more updates, visit: https://www.unfoldedmagzine.com/
High Blood Pressure
One of the most common causes of kidney cancer is high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you’re at an increased risk for many health problems. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that hypertension was the main factor in more than 670,000 fatalities in the United States in 2020. Hypertension can be caused by intake of too much salt, lack of exercise, obesity, and diabetes. You may also be at risk if you have a family history of kidney disease or other illnesses like heart disease or stroke.
If your doctor finds your blood pressure too high, he’ll likely prescribe medication to treat it. Still, he’ll recommend lifestyle changes. These include eating healthier foods and getting more exercise to lower your blood pressure naturally.
Obesity
Obesity is a risk factor and can lead to kidney cancer. So if you are obese, you should take steps to lose weight. By losing weight, your risk of developing kidney cancer will decrease, and your chances of living longer will increase.
You may be wondering how obesity causes kidney cancer; that’s because the Fat cells produce excess estrogen. This hormone stimulates the growth of tumors in the kidneys and other body parts that use this as part of their normal function. It means that by reducing your calorie intake and increasing physical activity through exercise or sports like swimming, you can reduce this problem.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can help you avoid kidney cancer. To reduce your risk of this disease, follow these guidelines:
Eat fruits and vegetables every day. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that may protect against kidney cancer. The best choices are deep-colored fruits and vegetables like red grapes, red peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and dark leafy greens like spinach or kale.
Eat whole grains daily instead of those stripped of fiber or nutrients during processing, such as white bread and pasta made from refined flour. Whole grains include oatmeal, brown rice; wheat germ; bulgur wheat; barley, and popcorn kernels, and they are full of fiber too. As a result, they will keep you fuller longer, which could lead to fewer overall calories.
You can also try sprouted grain bread for additional benefits. These have higher amounts of vitamins A, B6, B12, folate folic acid, and asparagine malic acid, which is good for health.
Exercise and Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
Exercising and leading a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of kidney cancer. However, it’s essential to understand that exercise is not just good for your heart. It also has health benefits extending throughout the body, including the kidneys.
Exercise can help prevent kidney cancer by helping you stay at a healthy weight. Exercising regularly and eating right will make you less likely to gain weight. It also helps lessen high blood pressure and other risk factors for developing this disease.
Exercise also helps promote better sleep patterns because it relieves stress and reduces cravings for foods containing high sugar or fat.
Visit Doctor Regularly
Visit your doctor for regular check-ups. Kidney cancer is often diagnosed after the disease has spread to other parts of the body, making it difficult to treat. Early detection is vital in treating kidney cancer, so getting a routine physical check-up at least once a year is essential. Immediately seek medical attention if you have symptoms such as:
- Blood in urine or bloody stools
- Painful urination
- Swelling in the abdomen or back Pain
Proactivity With Your Healthcare Can Prevent Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is a severe disease that can affect you and your loved ones. To prevent kidney cancer, you should be proactive with your health care and conduct regular screenings. Many different types of kidney cancer make it difficult to detect early on. If you notice any symptoms like pain in the abdomen or blood in urine in yourself or someone close to you, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
