
7 early warning signs that cancer is growing inside your kidneys
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
News in the same category


Medical Gold: Why Your Wisdom Teeth Might Hold the Key to Future Cures

Prostate Cancer: Warning Signs and Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Ditch the Knife: Effective Non-Surgical Treatments for Bunion Pain Relief

5 Drinks That Can Help Dissolve Kidney Stones and Aid Easy Elimination

People with Cancer Often Share 8 Morning Signs—Especially Clear After Age 40

5 Foods That Tumors Hate: Eat These Often for Better Health

Scientists Warn of a Silent Epidemic: Men’s Testosterone Levels Are Plummeting — And Here’s Why

Scientists Found The Hidden Factor Behind the Global Infertility Crisis, And It’s Terrifying

🍵 The Quiet Power of Cinnamon Tea: A Simple Sip for Natural Balance

How to Make the Perfect Pineapple, Turmeric, Carrot, and Lemon Juice: Your Ultimate Homemade Immune Boost Drink

16 Warning Signs Your Blood Circulation is Poor and How to Improve It (Evidence-Based)

Simple Cloves and Ginger Recipe for Wellness

Nature’s Candy Unleashed: The Jaw-Dropping Health Hacks of Dates You NEED to Know!

Banish Throat Mucus: Effective Home Treatments for a Clearer Throat (Evidence-Based)

Beat the Bloat: 8 Common Causes of Abdominal Bloating and Evidence-Based Solutions

Doctor Frank Suárez's Natural Recipe: Eliminate Diabetes, Poor Circulation, Fatty Liver, Pancreas Problems, High Blood Pressure, Knee Pain, and Even Cancer

Juniper (Juniperus communis): Benefits and Uses

4 Common Habits You Must Change Immediately When Using Air Conditioning to Protect Your Respiratory Health

If Your Body Shows These 5 Signs, It Could Be a Warning of Kidney Disease or Impending Kidney Failure
News Post

I Returned Home to Find My Furniture Up for Grabs — My Ex-Husband’s Petty Revenge Ended in Spectacular Failure

I Didn't Tell My Husband's Family I Speak Their Language, and It Helped Me Uncover a Sh0cking Secret About My Child
What happens when secrets are buried in a marriage? Discover how a simple misunderstanding and language barrier uncovered shocking truths. Read the story of betrayal, love, and trust in this emotional tale.

A LAST GIFT FROM MY FATHER THAT CHANGED MY FAMILY FOREVER
Discover the emotional journey of a daughter uncovering her late father's final secret and how it brought her family closer than ever. A letter, an unexpected gift, and the power of healing.

THE DNA TEST THAT REVEALED MY L0ST DAUGHTER - AFTER A LIFETIME OF LONELINESS
Denny Weaver, a 60-year-old widow, embarks on a journey of self-discovery after taking a DNA test, only to uncover a life-altering secret: she has a twin sister. This emotional reunion brings her a family she never knew she had.

Ki cked Out by My Husband, I Knocked on a Stranger's Door for a Job — What Happened Next Changed My Life

Unveiling the Unthinkable: How a Father’s Cru el Plan Almost Destr0yed His Daughter's Life

Who Would You Give Your Seat to on the Bus? Your Answer Reveals Personality Insights

World’s Oldest Woman, 117, Reveals The One Food Behind Her Long Life

5 Natural DIY Hair Sprays for Promoting Hair Growth, Reducing Thinning, and Tackling Scalp Issues
These DIY treatments not only provide nourishment but also help improve scalp health, stimulate hair growth, and strengthen hair roots.

Reverse Hair Baldness Naturally: 2 Powerful DIY Remedies for Hair Growth and Scalp Health
The DHT Blocker Pack and Hair Loss Reversing Pack provide natural, effective remedies that target the root causes of hair loss, stimulate growth, and nourish the scalp.

3 Natural DIY Hair Removal Remedies for Smoother, Finer Hair Over Time: The Ultimate Guide
These remedies may not offer instant results, but with consistent use, they can help to slow down hair growth, reduce hair density, and give you smoother, healthier skin.

The Ultimate Guide to Okra Detox Drink: Nature’s Botox in a Glass
With its powerful combination of okras, cucumbers, mint, lemon, and other skin-nourishing ingredients, this drink works from the inside out to hydrate, detoxify, and rejuvenate your skin.

Medical Gold: Why Your Wisdom Teeth Might Hold the Key to Future Cures

Prostate Cancer: Warning Signs and Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

Ditch the Knife: Effective Non-Surgical Treatments for Bunion Pain Relief

Here’s Why Cabin Crew Sits On Their Hands During Take Off and Landing

Surprising Reasons Why You Should Spread Salt

The First Communication Between Two Humans in Dreams Has Been Achieved – This Is How It Works

Am I Wrong for Cutting Off My Daughter’s Friends and Pulling Her from Soccer Camp?
A father decides to pull his daughter from soccer camp and cut her ties with two friends he deems "ghetto," but when family pressures him to reconsider, he starts questioning his actions. Is he wrong?
