Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the kidneys when the healthy cells in either one of the kidneys change and become difficult to control. A malignant tumor is cancerous, which implies that it can grow and spread to other areas of the body. The common symptoms of this condition include blood in the urine, pain in the lower back, unexplained weight loss, or a lump in the lower back or sides. Understanding the risk factors that are often associated with this life-threatening disease and adopting preventive measures can significantly help reduce the likelihood of its occurrence.
In this comprehensive guide, renowned urologist, Dr. Niren Rao, who practices at Delhi Urology Hospital has shared information on kidney cancer treatment in Delhi. This post will detail the risk factors that can increase the risk of kidney cancer and what one can do to lower their risk.
Continue reading for detailed information.
What are the Risk Factors for Kidney Cancer?
The following factors are responsible for increasing a person's risk of developing kidney cancer:
1. Smoking: Smoking doubles the risk of developing kidney cancer. It is said to cause 30% of kidney cancers in men and about 25% in women.
2. Sex: Men are 2-3 times more likely to experience kidney cancer than women.
3. Age: Kidney cancer is found in adults who are between the ages of 50 and 70.
4. Nutrition and Weight: According to research, there is a direct link between kidney cancer and obesity.
5. High Blood Pressure: Individuals with high blood pressure, also called hypertension, are more likely to develop kidney cancer.
6. Overuse of Medications: There are certain medications that contain phenacetin that are known to increase the risk of kidney cancer.
7. Chronic Kidney Disease: Individuals who have decreased kidney function but do not require dialysis might be at a higher risk of developing kidney cancer.
8. Family History: A higher risk of kidney cancer may exist in those individuals who have a strong family history of the disease. This includes parents, brothers, sisters, etc. The risk also increases if extended family members, such as an uncle, niece, or cousin, have been diagnosed with kidney cancer. A hereditary kidney cancer disorder may be more likely in family members if certain factors are present, such as early diagnosis, rare forms of kidney cancer, bilaterality (cancer in both kidneys), multifocality (multiple tumors in the same kidney), and other benign or cancerous tumor types.
Can I Prevent Kidney Cancer?
There are different factors that cause different types of cancer. Although there is no proven way through which one can prevent kidney cancer, they may be able to lower their risk by doing the following:
Quit smoking
Lowering their blood pressure
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Eating a diet high in vegetables and fruits and low in fat
Is Kidney Cancer Treatable?
The treatment for kidney cancer begins with surgery. For cancers of the kidneys, this is one of the most effective treatments. But if the cancer spreads beyond the kidneys, additional procedures would be needed. The following are the two most common treatments available for kidney cancer:
Radical Nephrectomy: A radical nephrectomy involves removing the entire kidney, lymph nodes, and adrenal glands.
Partial Nephrectomy: Instead of removing the entire kidney, the urologist removes the cancer with a small margin of healthy tissues that surround it during the surgery.
Final Takeaway
Kidney cancer is a complex condition but is treatable if diagnosed at the initial stage. People can also lower their risk by taking a number of preventive steps. Kidney cancer risk can be considerably reduced by leading a healthy lifestyle, abstaining from tobacco products, and taking care of any underlying medical conditions.
Therefore, if one is diagnosed with kidney cancer and is looking for an effective treatment, they can consult the best urology doctor in Delhi, Dr. Niren Rao at Delhi Urology Hospital. The cost of kidney cancer surgery at the hospital starts at Rs. 75,000.
For more details on kidney cancer treatment and learn more on insurance plans related to it, visit Delhi Urology Hospital today!
