Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is among the ten most common cancers in adults in the U.S., accounting for about 4% to 5% of all cancers. It typically begins in the lining of the kidney’s small tubes and can remain undetected until it spreads to other parts of the body.

Symptoms

The most common form of kidney cancer usually starts in the lining of the renal tubules, known as renal cell carcinoma. It is important to consult a health care provider if you notice:

• Blood in the urine
• Swelling in ankles or feet
• A lump on your side or lower back
• Lower back pain on one side that’s not caused by an injury
• Fever that is not caused by infection and is persistent 
• Loss of appetite
• Anemia
• Unexplained weight loss

Risk Factors

Older age is a risk factor for kidney cancer. Certain lifestyle factors and behaviors can also increase the risk of developing kidney cancer, including:

• Smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products like cigars or pipes
• Being overweight or obese
• Having uncontrolled hypertension
• Family history of kidney cancer
• Exposure to harmful substances, such as arsenic, asbestos, cadmium, some herbicides, benzene, or trichloroethylene
• Certain genetic conditions

Prevention

To lower your risk of kidney cancer, consider these lifestyle changes:

• Maintain a healthy weight through a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
• Be physically active
• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption
• Don’t smoke or if you do, quit
• Keep your blood pressure in check
• Attend regular wellness exams

Screening

Routine urinalysis, which is often part of a standard medical exam, can be a helpful screening tool. Urine tests can detect the presence of small amounts of blood that would not be easily seen. For individuals who are at higher risk, such as those with certain genetic conditions, your health care provider may recommend regular imaging tests, like CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds to look for tumors.