Your kidneys are a pair of small bean-shaped organs located in the middle of your back, which also just happen to be one of the most important organs responsible for detoxing the body. The kidneys remove waste and extra water from the blood to form urine. Additionally, they help maintain the body's balance of minerals, regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones that support red blood cell production. If your kidneys were not able to do their job, these waste products would build up in the blood and cause damage to your body. One serious disease that can affect the kidney and its ability to function is cancer.

Early Detection is Key to Surviving Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is not one of the most talked-about forms of malignancy; however, the American Cancer Society estimates that in 2016, there will be almost 63,000 new cases in the U.S. alone. Survival rates for kidney cancer have improved over the last two decades, but 1 in 5 of those diagnosed will still die from the disease. Patients diagnosed with kidney cancer at the earliest stage can expect an optimistic 81% five-year survival rate. Once cancer has reached an advanced stage, however, the survival rate drops significantly to a dismal 8%.

Understanding and recognizing the most common signs and symptoms associated with kidney cancer allows individuals to seek out medical care as early as possible, improving their chances of successful treatment.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

The symptoms associated with kidney cancer can include:

• Blood in urine (early on, you may not see blood, but a urinalysis at your doctor’s office can detect microscopic blood)

• Unexplainable and quick weight loss

• Chronic fatigue

• Fever unrelated to an illness

• A lump in the abdominal region

• Persistent pain along the abdominal side

• Back pain unrelated to an injury

• Swelling in the legs or ankles due to fluid retention

• High blood pressure that does not respond well to medication

6 Tips to Help Prevent Kidney Cancer

We often focus on early detection when discussing cancer, but an equally important and possibly more empowering conversation is around prevention. So what can you do to optimize your body’s ability to prevent kidney cancer? The good news is… a lot! Many lifestyle factors, habits, or exposures contribute to the development of chronic diseases, including cancer. Luckily, by being aware, we can make changes before disease develops to promote health and prevent illnesses, including kidney cancer. Below, we’ve listed a few action items you can implement to dramatically reduce your likelihood of developing kidney cancer and other chronic illnesses.

1. Quit Smoking and Avoid Smoke Exposure

We know smoking is bad, but it also increases the risk of renal cancer. Of the 250 harmful chemicals contained in cigarette smoke, 69 are known to cause cancer. The risk also increases with the number of cigarettes smoked daily, doubling the risk in people who smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day. The good news is that your risk falls if you stop smoking, and after 10 years, your risk of developing kidney cancer is the same as that of a nonsmoker.

2. Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

Close to 40% of people who develop kidney cancer are obese. One cancer research study found that being overweight or obese causes around a quarter of kidney cancers. Your body mass index (BMI) can be calculated by comparing your height and weight. Strive to keep your BMI below 30 to cut your risk of cancer and many other chronic diseases.

3. Avoid Environmental Chemicals

Various chemicals have been shown to increase the risk of kidney cancer. These include cadmium (found in cigarette smoke, fossil fuel burning, and smelting); herbicides (such as Round-up); and organic solvents like trichloroethylene (used in refrigerants and rug cleaners). Whenever possible, strive to reduce exposure to environmental chemicals. Choose organic cleaners, natural pesticides, and clean-burning fuel sources.

4. Lower Your Blood Pressure

There have been studies linking kidney cancer to both elevated blood pressure and the medications used to lower blood pressure, like diuretics. It is advisable to implement lifestyle factors that you can control, such as a healthy diet and exercise, to lower your blood pressure without medication when possible. If you need medication to control your blood pressure, talk to your doctor about your options, but generally, it is advisable to continue your medications if needed.

5. Get Moving

A sedentary lifestyle significantly increases the risk of developing kidney cancer. Those who lead inactive lifestyles are also more likely to be obese and have hypertension. Strive to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Examples of aerobic activities include walking, biking, swimming, hiking, and dancing.

6. Eat Colorful Fruits and Vegetables

It is well established that the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables are protective against the development of cancer. Set a goal to consume a minimum of five bright-colored fruits and vegetables each day and opt for organic options whenever possible. Eating a diet rich in whole foods, including lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber, can also contribute to overall well-being and help lower cancer risk.

Additional Preventative Measures

• Limit alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol use is