Things You Should Know About Kidney Cancer

This Kidney Health Month is a great opportunity to learn about kidney cancer and how it can be prevented. Over 50,000 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year.

There are two types of kidney cancer – renal cell and transitional cell cancer. The most common type is renal cell cancer. Sometimes, renal cell cancer can spread to other areas like the lungs or bones.

 It is important to detect and treat kidney cancer before it spreads to other parts of the body. When it is located in the kidney alone, it is much easier to treat.

Men are more likely than women to develop kidney cancer. Additionally, black people are at a slightly higher risk of developing renal cell cancer. Studies have also shown that siblings of people with kidney cancer have a higher risk of developing kidney cancer themselves.

Kidney cancer can be hard to detect in the early stages because it often does not cause noticeable symptoms. In later stages, it can cause symptoms such as:

These symptoms can also point to non-cancerous health problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, speak with your doctor to determine the cause.

When caught early on, kidney cancer can be successfully treated and cured. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancerous tumor. Sometimes the full kidney is removed to reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Because kidney disease is best treated when detected early on, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about your risk levels and decide how often you should be tested for kidney disease. Additionally, eating well and exercising can significantly improve your kidney health.