5 ways to reduce your risk for Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is a silent disease and one of the fastest growing cancers in the world.
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This steady rise in the incidence of kidney cancer is a global health risk, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer projects a 22% increase from 338,000 in 2012 to 413,000 cases annually by 2020*.
- Don’t smoke
Cigarette smoking is responsible for a large percentage of cases, so stopping smoking may lower your risk.
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- Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity and high blood pressure are also risk factors for renal cell cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight by exercising and choosing a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and getting treatment for high blood pressure may also reduce your chance of getting this disease.
- Find out if you’re exposed to certain toxins at work or at home
Some toxins that may increase the risk for kidney cancer include cadmium, asbestos, and trichloroethylene according to cancer.org.
- Take care of your kidneys
People with kidney disease may be at increased risk for kidney cancer:
Ask your healthcare provider about two simple tests to find out your kidney function
Avoid prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
Control high blood pressure.
Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
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- Be aware of certain risk factors that can’t be changed, but should be followed up on:
The family history of kidney cancer
Certain diseases you may have been born with, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease
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