Him kidney cancer Overall it is the ninth most widespread in our country, reaching sixth place among men according to the ranking Spanish Association against Cancer (AECC). Fortunately it has a high survival rate (no less than 93%) when localized; Therefore, it is important to pay attention to potential signs to detect it in time.
What exactly is kidney cancer?
According to the prestigious Mayo Clinic (United States), kidney cancer is a abnormal cell proliferation (neoplasia) which appears in the kidneys, the organ of the urinary system that filters blood to eliminate waste and toxins through urine. In adults the most common form is renal cell carcinoma, while in children a peculiar form called Wilms tumor is more common.
Its impact tends to increase in recent yearsalthough this may be due to increased detection due to increased performance of some diagnostic tests (such as computed tomography). In fact, it tends to be diagnosed in the early stages, when it is smaller, limited to one kidney and has a better prognosis.
The warning signs
Los symptoms that can aid in the identification and diagnosis of kidney cancer include:
- The presence of blood in the urine, which may take on a pink, reddish or brown hue.
- Back or hip pain that doesn’t go away.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss without apparent cause.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
Many of these signs are also typical of other conditionssuch as urinary infections (in case of haematuria or blood in the urine) or bone or muscle problems (in case of low back pain). For this reason, whenever they appear, it is advisable to consult a specialist.
What are the risk factors and how to prevent them?
Kidney cancer, like other malignancies, It begins with DNA damage (mutation) of one or more cells which causes its division and uncontrolled multiplication. Over time, these cells can break off and spread to other parts of the body, called metastases.
There are some factors that may increase the risksuch as older age, smoking, obesity, hypertension, treatments for kidney failure (such as long-term dialysis), family history, and some hereditary syndromes, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease, Birt-Hogg-Dube, tuberous sclerosis complex, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma or familial renal cancer.
On the contrary, it is possible reduce your risk with some healthy habitssuch as avoiding smoking, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy body weight, controlling body weight, and exercising frequently.
Ultimately, all those people with certain risk factors should do so consult a specialistespecially before the appearance of worrying symptoms.
References
Spanish Association against Cancer. Kidney cancer. Consulted online at on October 23, 2024.
Mayo Clinic. Kidney cancer. Consulted online at on October 23, 2024.
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Interview: Understanding Kidney Cancer with Dr. Ana Ruiz, Oncologist
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, Dr. Ruiz. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to discuss such an important topic. Kidney cancer is often viewed as a silent disease, yet recent statistics indicate it’s the ninth most common cancer in our country. How alarming is this trend?
Dr. Ana Ruiz: Thank you for having me! Yes, the increasing incidence of kidney cancer is concerning. While its growing prevalence could be partly attributed to improved diagnostic techniques like computed tomography, it still underscores the need for public awareness and education about the disease.
Interviewer: Absolutely. For our readers, could you explain what exactly kidney cancer is and how it differs between adults and children?
Dr. Ruiz: Certainly! Kidney cancer, or renal cell carcinoma in adults, involves the abnormal proliferation of cells in the kidneys. In children, we often see Wilms tumor, a specific type of kidney cancer. The kidneys play a key role in our urinary system, filtering waste from the blood, so when cancer develops, it can significantly affect bodily functions.
Interviewer: Given that it has a high survival rate of 93% when detected early, what are some early warning signs people should be on the lookout for?
Dr. Ruiz: Early detection is indeed crucial. Symptoms may include blood in the urine, persistent back or hip pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, and fever. However, it’s important to note that these symptoms can also relate to other conditions, so anyone experiencing them should consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Interviewer: That’s valuable advice. Now, can we talk about risk factors? What are some of them, and how can our audience reduce their risk?
Dr. Ruiz: Certainly! Key risk factors include age, smoking, obesity, hypertension, and certain hereditary conditions. To reduce risk, adopting healthy lifestyle choices is vital. This includes avoiding smoking, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, staying physically active, and managing body weight. Regular check-ups can also help catch potential issues early.
Interviewer: It’s empowering to know that lifestyle choices can make a difference. What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about kidney cancer that you encounter in your practice?
Dr. Ruiz: One significant misconception is that kidney cancer only affects older individuals, which isn’t true. While the risk does increase with age, it can develop in younger people as well. Another common myth is that kidney cancer always presents noticeable symptoms early on, but many patients may not experience symptoms until the cancer has progressed. This is why general awareness and routine health screenings are so important.
Interviewer: Thank you for clarifying that. As we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to individuals regarding kidney health and cancer prevention?
Dr. Ruiz: I encourage everyone to be proactive about their health. If you notice any unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Regular health screenings, especially if you have risk factors, can help ensure early detection when treatment is most effective. Remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle not only benefits your overall well-being but also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of various diseases, including kidney cancer.
Interviewer: Thank you so much, Dr. Ruiz, for sharing your insights and expertise with us today. It’s been incredibly informative, and I’m sure our readers will appreciate the valuable information you’ve provided.
Dr. Ruiz: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to spread awareness about kidney cancer, and I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to that conversation.