World Kidney Cancer Day is being observed on June 15 this year. The day aims to raise awareness about kidney cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options. Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is a type of cancer that originates in the kidneys.
The kidneys are essential organs that are responsible for producing urine and removing waste products from the blood. One of the most common types of cancer that affect both men and women worldwide, kidney cancer can develop when abnormal cells begin to grow uncontrollably in the kidney, according to experts.
How does kidney cancer occur?
Its exact cause is still unknown. Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, dialysis, and a family history of kidney cancer are all factors that can increase your risk of developing cancer in your body.
Symptoms
There are usually no signs or symptoms in the early stages of kidney cancer. However, over time, symptoms start to show up, including:
- Back pain or side pain that doesn’t go away
- Weight loss, fatigue, and fever
- Appetite loss
- Blood in the urine, which may appear pink or red
Diagnosis
The evaluation of a patient’s medical history, a physical examination, imaging tests (such as CT scans or MRIs), and a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells are frequently required for the diagnosis of kidney cancer.
Treatment
Treatment options for it are depend on the stage and extent of the disease but may include surgery (partial or complete removal of the kidney), targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
What are the ways to prevent it?
- Quit smoking
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight
- Manage your blood pressure
- If you are diabetic person, maintain your sugar levels
Recurrence
It’s critical to adhere to the advised monitoring strategy, which may call for regular checkups, imaging exams, and blood tests to reduce the risk of recurrence. The risk of recurrence can also be decreased by living a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a balanced diet, working out frequently, abstaining from tobacco use and excessive alcohol intake, and managing stress,