Article

Kidney Cancer: Know the Risk Factors

Author(s):

Alexandra Guadagno

In conjunction with Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, learn more about risk factors and treatment options for the disease.

March is recognized as Kidney Cancer Awareness Month — a disease that is among the top 10 most common cancers in both men and women, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Some factors for kidney cancer can include:

  • Occupation hazards
  • Obesity
  • Smoking

In addition, certain factors — such as diastolic blood pressure and fasting insulin – were found to be associated with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) – a common type of kidney cancer. Specific risk factors related to obesity may increase a person’s chance of developing renal RCC. according to recent research conducted at Spectrum Health. Other causal factors indicated by the American Institute for Cancer Research include certain medications, kidney disease and hypertension.

Fortunately, new drugs are consistently appearing in the treatment landscape for kidney cancer and patients with renal cell carcinoma have more treatment options than ever before, including immunotherapy.

Additionally, meeting combined exercise guidelines — including both aerobics and strength training – improved quality of life in kidney cancer survivors; however, few individuals reported they follow such guidelines, according to study findings published in Psycho-Oncology.

To stay up to date on kidney cancer and cancer in general, sign up for CURE’s eNewsletters.

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