What to Know About Preventing Kidney Cancer

 

Kidney cancer occurs when the kidney cells change and start growing uncontrollably. According to the WCRF (World Cancer Research Fund) International, kidney cancer is the 14th most frequent cancer worldwide.

Kidney cancer has several risk factors. Some of these risk factors are controllable through diet and lifestyle modifications. This article discusses the diet and lifestyle changes to prevent kidney cancer and its warning signs.

 

What are the Early Warning Signs of Kidney Cancer?

The early signs of kidney cancer include:

1. Persistent back pain, significantly below the ribs
2. Blood in the urine
3. Low back pain
4. Fatigue and weakness
5. Lump onside or lower back
6. Recurring fever
7. Loss of appetite
8. Unintentional weight loss
9. Anemia

 

What Factors Increase the Risk of Kidney Cancer?

Some factors that can elevate the risk of getting kidney cancer are:

1. Obesity
2. High blood pressure
3. Older age
4. Being a male
5. Having chronic kidney disease
6. Long-term use of painkillers like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
7. Having kidney stones
8. Suffering from sickle cell trait (a genetic disease that leads to deformed red blood cells)
9. Exposure to workplace toxins like asbestos and trichloroethylene

 

What Diet is Suitable for the Preventing Kidney Cancer?

The foods that can help prevent kidney cancer are:

1. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are a crucial part of a diet to prevent kidney cancer. Fruits and vegetables have high vitamin and mineral content. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties.

These properties boost the immune function, reducing the risk of kidney cancer. They also accelerate the healing process in the body. Some essential fruits and vegetables to include in the diet regularly are green leafy vegetables, oranges, grapefruit, mango, carrot, and berries.

2. Whole Grains

Whole grains like oats, wheat, quinoa, and brown rice are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Incorporating them into the diet can help increase immunity, support digestive function, and promote weight loss.

Increased immunity and weight management benefits make whole grains one of the best foods to prevent kidney cancer.

3. Lean Proteins

Lean protein is indispensable for tissue repair and boosting immunity. Some lean protein food sources that don’t burden the kidneys are fish, chicken, tofu, lentils, and beans.

4. Healthy Fats

Healthy fats improve overall nutritional profile, promote brain health, and reduce inflammation. Sources of healthy fats that reduce kidney cancer risk are nuts, avocado, and olive oil.

5. Low-Sodium Foods

Processed, canned, and junk foods contain high sodium levels. Regular consumption of these foods can raise the risk of kidney cancer. Hence, low-sodium food options like fresh green vegetables and lean protein are ideal for daily consumption.

6. Water and Other Fluids

Staying hydrated is paramount for flushing out toxins and reducing the burden on the kidneys. Apart from water, some other fluids that can keep one hydrated are green tea and low-sugar fruit juice.

Excess consumption of certain food items can increase the risk of kidney cancer. These include:

1. Red and processed meat
2. High-phosphorus foods like soft drinks and processed foods
3. Sugary foods and beverages like candy, soda, and desserts
4. High-potassium foods like bananas, oranges, tomatoes, spinach and potatoes

 

What Lifestyle Changes Can Prevent Kidney Cancer?

Some lifestyle changes that can reduce kidney cancer risk are:

1. Quitting Smoking

Smoking significantly elevates the risk of kidney cancer. This risk also increases with the number of cigarettes.

2. Controlling Blood Pressure

Hypertension usually does not cause any symptoms. However, when left untreated for a long time, it can damage the arteries in the kidney. Managing hypertension effectively is crucial for reducing kidney cancer risk.

3. Maintaining a Healthy Weight

Obesity increases kidney cancer risk. Lifestyle changes focusing on diet and exercise are crucial for maintaining a healthy bodyweight and lowering kidney cancer risk.

4. Getting Regular Screenings

For someone at a higher risk of kidney cancer, it is essential to get regular blood pressure and kidney function screenings. These screenings will help detect any problems early, thereby improving treatment outcomes.

While multiple factors affect the risk of getting kidney cancer, some steps can be taken to reduce the risk. Diet and lifestyle changes can tackle several risk factors of kidney cancer, like obesity and high blood pressure. If an individual experiences any warning signs of kidney cancer, they should consult a doctor and get a kidney function test at Dr Lal PathLabs.

FAQs

1. How can you prevent kidney cancer?

Diet and lifestyle modifications can help prevent kidney cancer. These include:

1. Eating a balanced, healthy diet
2. Quitting smoking
3. Controlling blood pressure
4. Maintaining a healthy body weight

 

2. Does kidney cancer affect both kidneys?

In most people with kidney cancer, the cancer develops only in one kidney. However, in some rare cases, kidney cancer can affect both kidneys. It is called bilateral kidney cancer.