According to Healthline, the kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are located in the abdominal cavity. They filter waste products out of the blood and produce urine. The vast majority of kidney tumors start in the cells that lining the capillaries that filter the blood.
In the United States, around 51,200 persons are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year, the majority of which are due to renal cell cancer (85% of all cases).
Because men smoke more and are more likely to be exposed to cancer-causing chemicals on the job, their risk of developing cancer is almost twice as high as that of women. When compared to people of other races, African-Americans have a somewhat higher risk of developing kidney cancer.
Kidney cancer can be identified by several telltale symptoms, including blood in the urine, a lump or tumor in the side or belly, unexplained weight loss, fever, and an extreme amount of fatigue. If a person exhibits these signs, they need to go to the doctor to rule out the possibility that they have kidney cancer.
According to WebMD, the following are some of the factors that can increase your risk of developing kidney cancer.
1. Tobacco use.
The likelihood of developing kidney cancer is significantly increased by cigarette smoking, which is now recognized as a major contributor to the development of the illness. It is possible for carcinogens such as cigarette smoke and other irritants to enter the bloodstream when they are inhaled.
These substances can cause damage to kidney cells in the same way that they cause damage to other types of cells. The kidneys are responsible for filtering these substances out of the bloodstream. Being in persistent contact with chemicals can lead to irritation and damage, both of which can increase the likelihood of developing cancer.
2. Being subjected to things that are toxic to one’s health.
People frequently come into contact with asbestos, chemical solvents, and cadmium in the course of their employment in particular fields. It’s possible that the kidneys are responsible for filtering out items that can be harmful to you whether you consume them, breathe them in, or do both.
3. Carrying around an unhealthy amount of fat on one’s body.
The likelihood of a person developing kidney cancer is increased if they have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or more, or a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or more.
Changes in hormone levels are one of the consequences of being overweight, and some study has suggested that being overweight is linked to an increased chance of developing renal cell carcinoma. Therefore, the best method to minimize this risk is to maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity.
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