5 Ways to Reduce Your Risk for Kidney Cancer

May 15, 2017, 2:24pm EDT

 
Kidney cancer is a disease that most often starts in the kidneys. It happens when healthy cells in one or both kidneys turn cancerous to form a lump (called a tumor) and can often go undetected as it lacks signs and symptoms. Here are five ways you can reduce your risk for developing kidney cancer:
 
 
  1. Don’t smoke
     
  2. Maintain a healthy weight
     
  3. Find out if you’re exposed to certain toxins at work or at home. Some toxins that may increase the risk for kidney cancer include cadmium, asbestos, and trichloroethylene.
     
  4. Take care of your kidneys – people with kidney disease may be at increased risk for kidney cancer:
    • Ask your healthcare provider about two simple tests to find out your kidney function
    • Avoid prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
    • Control high blood pressure.
    • Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
       
  5. Be aware of certain risk factors that can’t be changed, but should be followed up on:
    • Family history of kidney cancer
    • Certain diseases you may have been born with, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease
To learn more about kidney cancer, its symptoms and how to treat it, check out our latest patient resource and brochure.