The causes of kidney cancer are unknown, but factors that put some people at higher risk include some lifestyle problems, such as a diet high in processed foods, eating too much salt, taking too many pain relievers, and not drinking enough water. Read on to learn more.
Doctors say that although the exact causes of kidney cancer are unknown, there are some factors, mostly related to lifestyle, that can increase the risk of developing it.
Renal cell carcinoma or kidney cancer is among the deadliest diseases and affects millions of people around the world. According to statistics, kidney cancer is the 14th most common cancer worldwide and has a growing incidence, with an estimated 4,03,000 new cases diagnosed annually. It develops when kidney cells change and grow out of control. People with kidney cancer may notice flank pain, high blood pressure, blood in the urine, and other symptoms. According to experts, as with all cancers, early detection is key to successful treatment.
Doctors say that although the exact causes of kidney cancer are unknown, there are some factors, mostly related to lifestyle, that can increase the risk of developing it. Some of these include:
Eat processed junk food
According to experts, fast, junk and processed foods are super delicious, but at the same time they are loaded with extremely high sources of sodium and phosphorus. Most of those who have kidney disease need to limit phosphorus in their diets. A 2018 prospective study found a 10 percent increase in the risk of kidney cancer in people who eat ultra-processed foods. The risk of mortality has been associated with lower levels of diet quality. Doctors say that red and processed meats correspond to lower dietary quality.
Take too many analgesics
Many people become addicted to taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and analgesics, to relieve their aches and pains. However, according to experts, these medications have drastic side effects, which can put immense strain on the kidneys and even lead to kidney cancer.
Doctors say that a diet high in salt upsets the sodium balance in the body, causing the kidneys to have reduced function and remove less water, leading to higher blood pressure. This puts stress on the kidneys and can lead to kidney disease or even cancer.
Not drinking enough water
Drinking water regularly can help your kidneys stay hydrated and remove sodium and toxins from the body. However, dehydration may increase the risk of renal damage and certain kidney diseases.
According to experts, when you don’t drink enough water, it makes it harder for your body to remove waste from your blood and deliver nutrients to your kidneys. Dehydration also leads to the production of more concentrated urine with minerals and waste products, which can form crystals that affect kidney function and contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
Drink too much alcohol
According to studies, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of non -cancer of kidney. Experts say those who have more than two drinks a day also have twice the risk of chronic kidney disease.
The function of the kidneys in the body is to filter harmful substances such as alcohol out of the body. While alcohol is primarily metabolized in the liver, some of these substances are released through the kidneys. Therefore, if you drink alcohol, especially frequently, the kidneys have to work harder to return the blood to its usual state.
Signs and symptoms of renal cancer
Experts say that although kidney cancer may not produce any noticeable symptoms in its early stages, as the tumor grows, signs begin to appear. Some of these symptoms include:
- Blood in urine or hematuria
- A lump or mass on your kidney
- Side pain
- Tiredness and fatigue
- A general feeling of not feeling well.
- Loss of appetite
- Weightloss
- Low fever
- Bone-ache
- Hypertension
- Anemia
- High calcium
