Lifestyle Tips That Can Reduce Your Risk Of Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer, though not the most common type, is a serious health concern. While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent it completely, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk. 

This is important because kidney cancer is becoming a growing concern globally. According to a study published in Oxford Academic, over 4 lakh new kidney cancer cases are diagnosed each year worldwide, with a mortality rate nearing 1,75,000 deaths annually. 

These numbers highlight the importance of both prevention and early detection of this serious disease.

What Is Kidney Cancer?

Talking to the Onlymyhealth team, Dr Nikhil Krishna Haridas, Consultant-Medical Oncology, Amrita Hospital, Kochi said, “The type of cancer that originates in the kidneys is called kidney cancer. In this condition, the kidney tissue cells start growing abnormally, to the point of forming a tumour.”

He underscored that the majority of people with kidney cancer do not see any symptoms until the cancer is in its end stages. This is why kidney cancer is often discovered coincidentally while investigating other health concerns. 

Some common symptoms of kidney cancer include:

• Abdominal pain, typically on the side of the body
• Blood in the urine or hematuria
• Weight loss
• Bone pain
• Fever
• Anaemia

Tips To Reduce The Risk Of Kidney Cancer

Here are some key lifestyle changes that significantly lower your risk of developing kidney cancer:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight is a significant risk factor for several cancers, including kidney cancer. A study led by researchers from the Taishan Medical University looked at data from nearly 9 million people in 24 studies to see if weight impacted kidney cancer risk. They found people who are overweight are roughly 35% more likely and obese people are 76% more likely to get kidney cancer compared to someone with a healthy weight. 

So, to reduce the risk of kidney cancer, aim for a healthy weight by maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity.

Embrace a Balanced Diet

To achieve and maintain a balanced diet, follow these tips:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Fill your plate with a colourful variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Fibre Power: Opt for whole grains, legumes, and other high-fibre foods. Fibre helps promote gut health and may play a role in cancer prevention.
• Limit Processed Meats and Red Meat: Reduce your intake of processed meats like sausages and bacon, and consume red meat in moderation. Opt for lean protein sources like fish, poultry, and beans.
• Healthy Fats: Include healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil in your diet. These fats contribute to overall health and may offer some protection against cancer.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps dilute waste products in your kidneys and flush them out of your body. Aim for eight or more glasses of water daily.

Manage Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a risk factor for various health issues, including kidney disease and kidney cancer. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress can help reduce your risk.

Regular Exercise

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise weekly. Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, improves overall health, and may contribute to a lower risk of kidney cancer.

Be Smoke-Free 

Smoking is a major risk factor for numerous cancers, including kidney cancer. Quitting smoking or avoiding it altogether significantly improves your overall health and reduces cancer risk.

Secondhand smoke exposure can also increase your risk of cancer. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke by encouraging those around you not to smoke and maintaining distance in smoke-filled environments.

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several cancers. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

Also Read: World Kidney Cancer Day: Understanding Kidney Cancer, Its Symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment Options

These lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of kidney cancer. Remember, a healthy lifestyle not only helps prevent kidney cancer but also promotes overall well-being and improves your quality of life. Lastly, get regular check-ups done, especially if you notice any fluctuations in your health or any suspicious symptoms.