Health choices key to avoiding kidney cancer

Kidney cancer is usually ­defined as any cancer that is ­determined to have ­arisen from the kidney.

The American Cancer ­Society estimates 58,240 new cases of ­kidney cancer of which 35,370 are men and 22,870 are women. In Bermuda, kidney cancer represented 1.8 per cent of all cancers diagnosed ­island-wide by site, as ­reported by Bermuda National Tumor Registry in 2009.

The kidneys are bean shaped organs that are roughly the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just -below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. The main purpose of the kidney is to separate urea, mineral salts, toxins, and other waste products from the blood.

Every day, a person’s ­kidneys process about 200 quarts of blood to sift out about two quarts of waste products and extra water. The wastes and extra water ­become urine. The actual filtration process occurs in the nephrons (approximately a ­million in each kidney). The ­kidneys also produce hormones which regulate blood pressure, calcium levels in the blood and the production of red blood cells.

The adrenal glands are tiny ­organs that rest on top of each kidney and help to regulate ­kidney function.

Kidney cancer is a malignant tumour that grows in the cells of the kidney.  In the event this ­cancer spreads to nearby organs it is referred to as kidney cancer with metastases e.g. lungs — it is called kidney cancer with lung metastases.

There are various types of ­kidney cancers. In adults, Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer where cancerous cells are found in the lining of the tubules (the smallest tubes inside the nephrons). It accounts for about nine out of ten kidney cancers. Transitional Cell Carcinomas (TCC) is another type of kidney cancer which develops in the part of the kidney called the renal pelvis. In children, Wilm’s ­tumour (Nephroblastoma) is more common and is associated with developmental abnormalities.

A risk factor is anything that ­affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk ­factors. Having a risk factor, or even several risk factors, does not mean that you will get the ­disease. But, scientists have found several risk factors that may make you more likely to develop kidney cancer.

Lifestyle-related and ­job-related risk factors

- Smoking

- Obesity — people who are overweight are at higher risk

- Work place exposures — Exposure to certain substances at work can increase your risk e.g. Asbestos, cadmium (type of ­metal), some herbicides and ­organic solvents.

Other risk factors

- Genetic and hereditary risk factors

There are several genetic and hereditary conditions/disorders that may increase your risk of kidney cancer. If you have any concerns about your risk you should speak to your doctor.

- Gender

- Age

- Family history of kidney cancer

- Long term dialysis

Signs and symptoms for kidney cancer include:

—- Blood in the urine

—- A lump in the area of the ­kidney

General feeling of ill health – may include

- Tiredness

- Loss of appetite

- Weight loss

- High temperature with very heavy sweating

- A pain in the side that won’t go away

There is no reliable screening test for the general population for kidney cancer. Individuals who have inherited syndromes may have imaging tests (ultrasound, CT, MRI etc.) as directed by their doctor.

In many cases, the cause of ­kidney cancer is not known and while the symptoms associated with kidney cancer and the testing available to diagnosis kidney cancer can lead to early detection it is important to maintain all of your annual check-ups. 

Ultimately, it is important to take care of yourself. Reduce your risk for disease by leading and ­living a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy weight by exercising and choosing a diet high in fruits and vegetables may also ­reduce your chance of getting this disease. If you are a smoker, quit. Finally, avoid workplace ­exposure to large amounts of harmful substances that may ­increase your risk for cancer.

At Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre we strive for early detection, prevention and support. We encourage all individuals to maintain healthy lifestyles that will decrease their risk for disease. Maintain all of your annual check-ups and report any unusual symptoms/feelings to your doctor as soon as possible.