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Kidney cancer is one of the ten most common types of cancer, often appearing only in advanced stages. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment, so it is important to know what to watch for. This article will help you identify warning signs of kidney cancer and provide an overview of risk factors that may increase your chance of the disease.
Warning signs of kidney cancer
Kidney cancer is often discovered only when testing for other health problems because its symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked. Here are eight symptoms to watch for:
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Change in urine color
- Urine may become pink, reddish, or brownish. This change can indicate the presence of blood in the urine, which is a common symptom of kidney cancer.
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Persistent pain and pressure in the back and side
- Long-lasting pain or a feeling of pressure in the lower back or on the side may be a sign of a kidney problem, including cancer.
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Lumps in the abdomen, side, or back
- The presence of unusual bumps or lumps in the abdominal, side, or back area may indicate enlarged or tumorous kidneys.
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Extreme fatigue
- A feeling of constant fatigue that doesn’t go away even after rest may be a sign of various health problems, including kidney cancer.
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Loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss
- A significant loss of appetite and rapid weight loss without an obvious reason can be warning signs of cancer.
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Recurrent fevers
- Frequent and unexplained fevers may signal that your body is fighting an infection or inflammation, which can be associated with kidney cancer.
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Anemia
- A low red blood cell count (anemia) may be caused by kidney cancer, because a tumor can affect the body’s ability to produce red blood cells.
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Swollen ankles and feet
- Swelling in the ankles and feet may be the result of a kidney problem that cannot effectively filter fluids from the body.
Risk factors for developing kidney cancer
Kidney cancer can be influenced by several risk factors. Here are some of them:
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Older age
- Kidney cancer is more common in people over 60 years old.
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Smoking
- Smoking doubles the risk of developing kidney cancer. Toxins in tobacco have harmful effects on the kidneys and can contribute to the development of cancer.
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Sex
- Men are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer as women.
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Obesity
- Being overweight and obesity increase the risk of kidney cancer. Hormonal imbalances in individuals who are overweight can contribute to the development of this disease.
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High blood pressure
- There is no clear evidence whether hypertension itself or the drugs used to treat it are to blame, but the risk may be increased.
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Heredity
- If a close relative, especially a sibling, has or had kidney cancer, it may increase your risk.
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Dialysis
- People who have been on dialysis for a long time have a higher risk of developing kidney cancer.
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Exposure to certain compounds
- The risk may be increased by contact with cadmium, asbestos, benzene, organic solvents, and herbicides.
Conclusion
Early detection of kidney cancer is key to successful treatment. If you notice any of the listed symptoms or have concerns about your health, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. Regular check-ups and monitoring of your health are important, especially if you have risk factors.
Share this article with your friends and family so they also know what to watch for. Your health is important and being informed is the first step toward prevention and early treatment.
