Bad habits that can cause kidney cancer and how to recognize the signs.
In 2018, Vietnam had approximately 2,400 new cases of kidney cancer, of which more than 1,300 resulted in death, accounting for over 55%. Men are twice as likely to develop the disease as women.
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Statistics in the US show that approximately 90 to 95% of kidney tumors are cancerous. Kidney cancer accounts for 3% of all cancer cases in adults, ranking seventh among cancers in men and tenth in women.
Kidney cancer commonly occurs in people aged 50 to 70, although there are some rare cases in very young people. In the early stages, when the tumor is less than 7 cm in size, the disease usually has no typical symptoms. In the later stages, about 30% of patients experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, blood in the urine, and a palpable abdominal mass... Below are some common signs of kidney cancer:
Blood in the urine
If you notice pink, brown, or slightly discolored urine, it could be a sign of kidney cancer. While it's usually visible to the naked eye during urination, very small amounts of blood may only be detected through urine analysis. Other conditions that can cause blood in the urine include bladder infections, kidney stones, cysts, or inflammation. If you see blood in your urine, it's best to see a doctor for prompt examination.
Pain or discomfort in the lower back and hip area.
Pain from kidney cancer typically originates on one side of the flank, in the lower back region. The pain can be persistent and range from dull to severe.
Abdominal tumor
Patients with kidney cancer may be able to feel a tumor when palpating their abdomen. However, most kidney tumors are located deep within the abdominal cavity, making them difficult to feel and only clearly visible on ultrasound or CT scans.
Fatigue is a fairly common symptom in most cancer patients in general. Cancer cells disrupt the body's normal functions and activities, making patients irritable and weak. In kidney cancer patients, anemia can also cause severe fatigue and weakness.
Sudden weight loss
Sudden weight loss is common in cancer patients, even if they are not dieting or trying to lose weight. A common cause is a loss of appetite, leading to poor eating habits and nutritional deficiencies.
Fever
Unexplained fever can also be a sign of kidney cancer, especially when combined with the symptoms mentioned above. In cases of suspected kidney cancer, a doctor may order a biopsy for definitive diagnosis.
According to Dr. Nguyen Hoang Duc, Head of the Urology Department at the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City, early-stage kidney cancer, when the tumor size is less than 7cm, usually has no typical symptoms. In the late stages, about 30% of patients experience symptoms such as abdominal pain and hematuria, and a mass is found in the abdomen upon examination.
In particular, people should quit smoking, avoid exposure to asbestos, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
Obese individuals are generally at higher risk of developing diseases. Therefore, in addition to a balanced diet, reducing fat and greasy foods, and supplementing with fiber-rich foods, it is recommended to exercise for 30 minutes each day to boost the body's resistance.
Numerous studies have shown that smoking is strongly linked to the incidence of kidney cancer. Smokers have a 1.4 times higher risk of developing kidney cancer compared to non-smokers.
Besides smoking, there are six other habits that many people do daily that can be significant factors in causing kidney cancer:
1. Frequently buying ready-made food.
2. Hold your urine.
3. Not drinking enough water.
4. Misuse of medication
5. Irregular lifestyle habits
6. Lack of physical activity