Kidney cancer: Are you at risk?

According to Pfizer South Africa, 90 percent of cancers are caused by environmental and lifestyle factors. One cancer that is no different is kidney cancer.

As such, it is important for South Africans to improve their habits and be aware of the risk factors to reduce the chance of developing the disease, or to have it diagnosed early before it has spread.

In light of World Kidney Day on 11 March 2021, Dr Bha Ndungane-Tlakula, Country Medical Director at Pfizer South Africa, explained that while kidney cancer is not preventable, there are factors that can lower the risk.

Kidney cancer is caused by DNA cell mutations that may result in uncontrolled cell division and growth. It is therefore imperative to consider your risk profile or get screened should any symptoms arise.”

Who is at risk

Nudangane-Tlakula added that kidney cancer is almost twice as prevalent in men compared to women. Further, those over 50 years of age are largely susceptible to kidney cancers and, along with this, links have been established between obesity, high blood pressure, workplace exposure to certain substances and smoking.

She pointed out that those who have direct family members that have been diagnosed with kidney cancer should take heed as this can increase their risk of developing the disease.

This includes parents, siblings, or children; and the risk increases if extended family members such as grandparents, aunts and uncles have also been diagnosed.”

Lifestyle changes

“There are many habits that one can change in order to minimise the risk of developing kidney cancer,” explained Dr Ndungane-Tlakula. “Firstly, smoking tobacco doubles the risk of developing kidney cancer and is attributed to around 30 percent of kidney cancers in men and 25 percent in women.”

She added that another factor to consider is high blood pressure or hypertension, particularly in men.

Along with this, obesity is also linked to kidney cancer which places greater emphasis on the need for all South Africans to maintain a healthy body weight by eating a well-balanced, low fat diet containing fruits and vegetables.”

What to look out for

“Our kidneys’ primary function is to filter out excess salt, water and waste from our blood and turn it into urine,” said Ndungane-Tlakula.

“As such, symptoms of kidney cancer can include blood in the urine as well as pain in the lower back on one side, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue or anaemia.”

What you should do

“South Africans must become proactive when it comes to their health. Should you experience any symptoms or have a history of kidney cancer in your family, it is advisable to contact your healthcare professional to ensure a possible early diagnosis and treatment to battle this disease,” concluded Dr Ndungane-Tlakula.

References:

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5. Homepage – World Kidney Day [Internet]. [cited 2021 Feb 2]. Available from: https://www.worldkidneyday.org/

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