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Kidneys are a critical part of your health.  They “clean” your blood by removing wastes from the body through your urine, help your body to make red blood cells, and regulate blood pressure.  One of the main jobs of the kidneys is to remove wastes from the blood and return the cleaned blood back to the body. Every minute, about one litre of blood (one fifth of all the blood pumped by the heart) enters the kidneys through the renal arteries. After the blood is cleaned, it flows back into the body through the renal veins.

A normal kidney can greatly increase its workload: if you were born with one kidney or if one kidney is injured or donated, the remaining kidney can work harder to keep your body healthy.

Inside each kidney there are more than one million tiny units called nephrons. Each nephron is made up of a very small filter called a glomerulus, which is attached to a tubule. Water and waste products are separated from the blood by the filters and then flow into the tubules. Much of this water is reabsorbed by the tubules and the wastes are concentrated into urine.

The urine is collected from the tubules in the funnel-like renal pelvis and then flows through tubes called the ureters into the bladder. Urine passes out of the body through a tube called the urethra. Together, the kidneys normally make one to two litres of urine every day depending on how much you drink.

Important Information about COVID-19 and People with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Some studies have recently been published about using the currently available vaccines in transplant or dialysis populations. These studies show that the vaccine may not provide the same level of protection to all members of these populations based on the antibody immunity profiles studied. It is important to note that not all aspects of immunity have been assessed at this time. There is currently no indication that  vaccine side effects are  more numerous or severe however long-term studies on these populations have not been completed.

Gout and kidney disease.
Gout & Kidney Disease.

Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints of kidney patients.
Gout comes on suddenly, sometimes with severe attacks, also called flares or flare-ups. You may experience pain, swelling, and / or redness in your joints during a gout attack. Gout often affects the big toe, but it can also affect any part of the body, such as your elbows, knees, hands or ankles. Gout can be extremely painful and sometimes difficult to control. Gout can be acute or chronic.
Kidney disease can lead to gout and gout can lead to kidney disease. If you have such a condition, talk to your doctor.

What are renal artery stenosis (RAS) and renovascular hypertension (RVH)?

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is the narrowing of one or both renal arteries. “Renal” means “kidney” and “stenosis” means “narrowing.” The renal arteries are blood vessels that carry blood to the kidneys from the aorta—the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to arteries throughout the body.
Renovascular hypertension (RVH) is high blood pressure caused by RAS. Blood pressure is written with two numbers separated by a slash, 120/80, and is said as “120 over 80.” The top number is called the systolic pressure and represents the pressure as the heart beats and pushes blood through the blood vessels. The bottom number is called the diastolic pressure and represents the pressure as blood vessels relax between heartbeats. A person’s blood pressure is considered normal if it stays at or below 120/80. High blood pressure is a systolic pressure of 140 or above or a diastolic pressure of 90 or above.

Acid is the villain that makes no one clear because of cancer.

1. What is cancer?
Cancer is an uncontrolled cell growth. A change that begins in a cell changes its structure, behavior, and growth pattern. This is made possible by long-term changes in the components of the cell, such as DNA and proteins. Clarifying the causes of cancer
Modern Medicine.

2. What causes cancer?

Cancer is an uncontrolled cell growth that is expressed above. A change that begins in a cell changes its structure, behavior, and growth pattern. This is made possible by long-term changes in the components of the cell, such as DNA and proteins. Of
The reason for the cause
Let’s learn.

By eating foods that contradict the digestive system of the human body, the acids left in the stomach after digestion spread to the body, causing inflammation of the cells of the body and body organs.

Inflammation of the cells caused by the action of the acid described above
Cancer is the transformation of cells from their natural closed system as the body tries to grow cells that die.

The reasons are clear.
When digesting food, follow a diet that eliminates acid in the stomach.

Adynamic bone disease in CKD Patients.

Adynamic bone disease is being increasingly recognized as the most common form of renal osteodystrophy. It is characterized by the reduced synthesis of bone matrix due to decreased osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity. Adynamic bone disease is distinct from osteomalacia, in which osteoid (the bone protein matrix, composed primarily of type I collagen) accumulates due to a lack of osteoblast activity or defective osteoid mineralization, as opposed to the simple decreased rate of turnover seen in adynamic bone disease.
Adynamic bone disease is particularly common in the peritoneal dialysis population in that the constant exposure to calcium in the dialysate fluid leads to episodic hypercalcemia and suppression of PTH levels which results in adynamic bone. A studyl in Kidney International randomized PD patients with adynamic bone disease (as assessed by bone biopsy) to normal Ca (1.62mM) versus low Ca (1.0mM) dialysate. The low-Ca dialysate group developed a higher PTH and bone turnover rates within the normal range, suggesting that the low Ca dialysate strategy is a good one for PD patients in order to avoid adynamic bone disease.

SKIN MANIFESTATION OF CKD /TRANSPLANT PATIENTS.

Skin manifestations associated with chronic kidney disease are very common. Most of these conditions present in the end stages and may affect the patient’s quality of life. Knowledge of these entities can contribute to establishing an accurate diagnosis and prognosis. Severe renal pruritus is associated with increased mortality and a poor prognosis. Nail exploration can provide clues about albumin and urea levels. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a preventable disease associated with gadolinium contrast. Comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and secondary hyperparathyroidism, can lead to acquired perforating dermatosis and calciphylaxis, respectively. Effective and innovative treatments are available for all of these conditions.

Chandra Sekharan Gokulam…tells un on what steps to be taken to keep kidneys healthy.

𝕂𝕖𝕖𝕡 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕜𝕚𝕕𝕟𝕖𝕪𝕤 𝕙𝕖𝕒𝕝𝕥𝕙𝕪……

8 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

(1)Stay active
(2)Control blood sugar
(3)Monitor blood pressure
(4)Monitor weight and diet
(5)Stay hydrated
(6)Stop smoking
(7)Monitor OTC pill intake
(8)𝕋est your kidneys

Your kidneys are fist-sized organs located at the bottom of your rib cage, on both sides of your spine. They perform several functions.

Most importantly, they filter waste products, excess water, and other impurities from your blood. These waste products are stored in your bladder and later expelled through urine.

In addition, your kidneys regulate pH, salt, and potassium levels in your body. They also produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and control the production of red blood cells.

Your kidneys are also responsible for activating a form of vitamin D that helps your body absorb calcium for building bones and regulating muscle function.

Maintaining kidney health is important to your overall health and general well-being. By keeping your kidneys healthy, your body will filter and expel waste properly and produce hormones to help your body function properly.

Here are some tips to help keep your kidneys healthy.

1. Keep active and fit

Regular exercise is good for more than just your waistline. It can lower the risk of chronic kidney disease. It can also reduce your blood pressure and boost your heart health, which are both important to preventing kidney damage.

You don’t have to run marathons to reap the reward of exercise. Walking, running, cycling, and even dancing are great for your health. Find an activity that keeps you busy and have fun. It’ll be easier to stick to it and have great results.

2. Control your blood sugar

People with diabetes, or a condition that causes high blood sugar, may develop kidney damage. When your body’s cells can’t use the glucose (sugar) in your blood, your kidneys are forced to work extra hard to filter your blood. Over years of exertion, this can lead to life-threatening damage.

However, if you can control your blood sugar, you reduce the risk of damage. Also, if the damage is caught early, your doctor can take steps to reduce or prevent additional damage.

3. Monitor blood pressure

High blood pressure can cause kidney damage. If high blood pressure occurs with other health issues like diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol, the impact on your body can be significant.

A healthy blood pressure reading is 120/80. Prehypertension is between that point and 139/89. Lifestyle and dietary changes may help lower your blood pressure at this point.

If your blood pressure readings are consistently above 140/90, you may have high blood pressure. You should talk with your doctor about monitoring your blood pressure regularly, making changes to your lifestyle, and possibly taking medication.

4. Monitor weight and eat a healthy diet

People who are overweight or obese are at risk for a number of health conditions that can damage the kidneys. These include diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.

A healthy diet that’s low in sodium, processed meats, and other kidney-damaging foods may help reduce the risk of kidney damage. Focus on eating fresh ingredients that are naturally low-sodium, such as cauliflower, blueberries, fish, whole grains, and more.

5. Drink plenty of fluids

There’s no magic behind the cliché advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, but it’s a good goal precisely because it encourages you to stay hydrated. Regular, consistent water intake is healthy for your kidneys.

Water helps clear sodium and toxins from your kidneys. It also lowers your risk of chronic kidney disease.

Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 liters in a day. Exactly how much water you need depends largely on your health and lifestyle. Factors like climate, exercise, gender, overall health, and whether or not you’re pregnant or breastfeeding are important to consider when planning your daily water intake.

People who have previously had kidney stones should drink a bit more water to help prevent stone deposits in the future.

6. Don’t smoke

Smoking damages your body’s blood vessels. This leads to slower blood flow throughout your body and to your kidneys.

Smoking also puts your kidneys at an increased risk for cancer. If you stop smoking, your risk will drop. However, it’ll take many years to return to the risk level of a person who’s never smoked.

7. Be aware of the amount of OTC pills you take

If you regularly take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, you may be causing kidney damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage your kidneys if you take them regularly for chronic pain, headaches, or arthritis.

People with no kidney issues who take the medicine occasionally are likely in the clear. However, if you use these medicines daily, you could be risking your kidneys’ health. Talk with your doctor about kidney-safe treatments if you’re coping with pain.

8. Have your kidney function tested if you’re at high risk

If you’re at high risk of kidney damage or kidney disease, it’s a good idea to have regular kidney function tests. The following people may benefit from regular screening:

people who are over 60 years old
people who were born at a low birth weight
people who have cardiovascular disease or have family with it
people who have or have a family history of high blood pressure
people who are obese
people who believe they may have kidney damage
A regular kidney function test is a great way to know your kidney’s health and to check for possible changes. Getting ahead of any damage can help slow or prevent future damage.

𝑁𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑀𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑚 𝑖𝑛 𝐾𝑖𝑑𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒

Nutritional and metabolic derangements are highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and patients on renal replacement therapy. These derangements, which can be termed uremic malnutrition, significantly affect the high morbidity and mortality rates observed in this patient population. Uremic malnutrition clearly is related to multiple factors encountered during the predialysis stage and during chronic dialysis therapy. Several preliminary studies suggested that interventions to improve the nutritional status and metabolic status of uremic patients actually may improve the expected outcome in these patients, although their long-term efficacy is not well established. It therefore is important to emphasize that uremic malnutrition is a major comorbid condition in CKD and renal replacement therapy patients, and that all efforts should be made to try to understand better and treat these conditions effectively to improve not only mortality but also the quality of life of chronically uremic patients. In this article we review the current state of knowledge in the field of nutrition and metabolism in all stages of CKD and renal replacement therapy, including kidney transplant.

Hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are closely interlinked pathophysiologic states, such that sustained hypertension can lead to worsening kidney function and progressive decline in kidney function can conversely lead to worsening blood pressure (BP) control. The pathophysiology of hypertension in CKD is complex and is a sequela of multiple factors, including reduced nephron mass, increased sodium retention and extracellular volume expansion, sympathetic nervous system overactivity, activation of hormones including the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and endothelial dysfunction. Currently, the treatment target for patients with CKD is a clinic systolic BP < 130 mm Hg. The main approaches to the management of hypertension in CKD include dietary salt restriction, initiation of treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and diuretic therapy. Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and accelerate progression to end-stage kidney disease. Although intensive BP control has not been shown in clinical trials to slow the progression of CKD, intensive BP control reduces the risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in the CKD population.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading cause of kidney disease and kidney failure (end-stage renal disease). Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels and filters in the kidney, making removal of waste from the body difficult.

For adults: Recommends that adults consume less than 5 g (just under a teaspoon) of salt per day (1). For children: recommends that the recommended maximum intake of salt for adults be adjusted downward for children aged two to 15 years based on their energy requirements relative to those of adults.

Depression has a lifetime incidence of 10% in the general population, but is more common among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Up to 1/3 of hemodialysis patients have depressive symptoms consistent with the diagnosis of depression. Depression among patients with chronic kidney disease has been associated with earlier initiation of dialysis. Depression among those already on dialysis has been associated with higher rates of hospitalization and death.
The standard for diagnosis of depression is direct interviewing. The criteria for making a diagnosis of major or minor depression are outlined by the DSM IV. The depressive symptoms outlined in these criteria may have overlap with uremic symptoms. For this reason, clinicians should focus on the presence of the emotional aspects of depression and clarify whether apects of physical health are contributing to the neurovegative symptoms.

The overlap between uremia, other concurrent health conditions, and depressive symptoms may require a formal psychiatric consult to assist in making a diagnosis. Besides using a formal interview to make a diagnosis of depression, clinicians may consider using screening questions as a first step. The PHQ-2 and the Geriatric Depression Scale have been shown to effectively screen for depression in the general population. If a patient screens in using these simple instruments, then the team can make a more formal assessment of depression.

If the patient is ascertained to have depression, the clinician should do a thorough screen for suicidal ideation. A clinician should ask about suicidal thoughts, plans, and behaviors. In addition, clinicians may want to assess the access to and lethality of means, past history of suicidal behavior, substance abuse and adequacy of social support. The clinician may then plan for follow-up with the patient with options ranging from reevaluation at the next visit, to outpatient psychiatric evaluation or emergent inpatient admission. If there are red flags and concerns for lethality, then the clinician should arrange emergent psychiatric evaluation.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive loss in kidney function over a period of months or years. Your kidneys are made of millions of nephrons which, for a variety of reasons, stop working when you develop CKD. The more your nephrons shut down, the worse is your kidney function. Once your kidney function is lost, the few healthy nephrons left in your kidneys will not be able to filter your blood and keep your body healthy.

Yet, it is possible to prevent or at least slow down the progression of CKD through an early diagnosis. You’ll be wondering: what are the symptoms of CKD? How can we detect the problem early enough to save our kidneys?

The answer is not straight forward: CKD usually has no symptoms at early stages. For this reason, World Kidney Day recommends two things: on one hand, we suggest you to have regular health check-ups including the functioning of your kidneys, on the other hand, we encourage you to adopt a healthy lifestyle, which can reduce your chances to contract diabetes, hypertension, obesity and other risk factors that trigger CKD. In fact, if you already suffer from one or multiple of the aforementioned disease, you are at an increased risk of developing CKD and monitoring your kidney function regularly is particularly important.

Detecting the loss of kidney function can be done by measuring your blood creatinine (to estimate how much blood is being filtered by the kidneys) and by a urine sample (to check whether there is protein in the urine). More specifically, the presence of urine albumin (a type of protein) indicates the that there is risk of having CKD.

We recommend to see a doctor or other health professional as she/he is the only one able to provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis. Knowing more about how well your kidneys function is powerful information in the absence of symptoms of early CKD, especially if you suffer from hypertension and/or diabetes or you have had cases of kidney failure in your family.

Chronic kidney failure is a disease with worrying statistics. Of over 7 billion people in the world, 850 million are reportedly found to suffer from a progressive loss of kidney function. Globally, over 2.5 million people are required to undergo regular haemodialysis, which filters and cleans the blood outside the body, because their kidneys fail to do their job..

“Chronic kidney disease is one of world’s major public health concerns. While there are various factors that contribute to the development of the disease, medication, herbs and dietary control are among the treatments but, unfortunately, a lot of people have limited knowledge about these options.

Due to the gradual loss of kidney function, chronic kidney disease may come with only a few symptoms until eventually it reaches the stage where the kidneys are no longer able to fully filter waste and excess fluids from the blood.

“Apart from diabetes and high blood pressure, city life where people tend to have unbalanced diets and a lack of exercise also lead to chronic kidney disease,” he explained.

A number of patients feel completely numb when they are diagnosed with kidney disease as they think of it as an illness with no cure.

“There is no need to be overly anxious over the diagnosis. At times, treatments for kidney disease deal with the actual cause of the illness, so somehow specialists do not prescribe medication that directly tackles the affected organ.”

The first group of drugs that should be used under watchful eyes is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Indometacin, Naproxen, Meloxicam and Celecoxib. Among chronic kidney disease patients, these medicines could potentially lead to swelling, rising blood pressure, poorer kidney function as well as acute kidney failure.

Also antibiotics like Gentamicin, Amikacin and Colistin should be used only under close medical supervision, because they, too, can be toxic to the kidney.

“Medicinal and herbal remedies, such as those advertised online, are often a waste of money. “Patients with kidney problems should discuss with their doctors first before taking them, because sometimes these remedies do make things worse.”

A number of people these days opt for over-the-counter medicine — either universal painkillers or unlabelled pain-relief drugs sold in small packages especially in rural areas — as well as traditional medicine which can increase the risk of kidney disease.

Firstly, herbal drugs available in general markets might be contaminated with toxic heavy metals or steroids.

Some types of herbal medication can cause complications for kidney disease patients, while some trigger adverse reactions with other drugs. In some cases, patients have confounded particular types of herbs, consequently misused them and possibly harmed their kidneys.

Various types of herbs and vegetables are high in oxalate, which is likely to form kidney stones if consumed regularly. Some herbal plants are high in potassium, which can also damage the kidneys. In conclusion, kidney disease patients should always consult with their doctors before taking herbs. For non-patients, it is best to check the quality of the product and only buy from a reliable source.

Water keeps every system in the body functioning properly.

carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells
flushing bacteria from your bladder
aiding digestion
preventing constipation
normalizing blood pressure
stabilizing the heartbeat
cushioning joints
protecting organs and tissues
regulating body temperature
maintaining electrolyte (sodium) balance.
Giving your body enough fluids to carry out those tasks means that you’re staying hydrated.

If you don’t drink enough water each day, you risk becoming dehydrated. Warning signs of dehydration include weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, or urine that’s dark in color.

So how much water should you drink?

Most people need about six to eight cups of water each day.

How much water should you drink a day?

The daily six-to-ten cup rule is for generally healthy people. It’s possible to take in too much water if you have certain health conditions, such as thyroid disease or kidney, liver, or heart problems; or if you’re taking medications that make you retain water, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opiate pain medications, and some antidepressants.

How much water a day should you drink if you fit into that category?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Dr. Seifter says water intake must be individualized, and you should check with your doctor if you are not sure about the right amount for you.

But even a healthy person’s water needs will vary, especially if you’re losing water through sweat because you’re exercising, or because you’re outside on a hot day. If you’re wondering how much water you should drink on those occasions, speak with your doctor, but a general rule of thumb for healthy people is to drink two to three cups of water per hour, or more if you’re sweating heavily.

Tips for avoiding dehydration

It’s not just water that keeps you hydrated. All beverages containing water contribute toward your daily needs. And it’s a myth that caffeinated beverages or those containing alcohol are dehydrating because they make you urinate. They do, but over the course of the day, the water from these beverages still leads to a net positive contribution to total fluid consumption.

Of course, there are many reasons why water is still the better choice. Remember, sugary drinks can lead to weight gain and inflammation, which can increase your risk for developing diseases such as diabetes. Too much caffeine can give you the jitters or keep you from sleeping.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. About 1 out of 3 adults with diabetes has kidney disease.

The main job of the kidneys is to filter wastes and extra water out of your blood to make urine. Your kidneys also help control blood pressure and make hormones that your body needs to stay healthy.

Your kidneys are located in the middle of your back, just below your rib cage.
When your kidneys are damaged, they can’t filter blood like they should, which can cause wastes to build up in your body. Kidney damage can also cause other health problems.

Kidney damage caused by diabetes usually occurs slowly, over many years. You can take steps to protect your kidneys and to prevent or delay kidney damage.

Diabetic kidney disease is also called DKD, chronic kidney disease, CKD, kidney disease of diabetes, or diabetic nephropathy.

How does diabetes cause kidney disease?

High blood glucose, also called blood sugar, can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys. When the blood vessels are damaged, they don’t work as well. Many people with diabetes also develop high blood pressure, which can also damage your kidneys. Learn more about high blood pressure and kidney disease.

What increases my chances of developing diabetic kidney disease?

Having diabetes for a longer time increases the chances that you will have kidney damage. If you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop kidney disease.

Sun up to sun down, your body’s organs are working together to keep you healthy. Your liver breaks down harmful substances in your body, excreting that waste into your blood; your kidneys cleanse your blood of that waste, and your heart pumps the blood throughout the body.

This means that people with a liver, kidney or heart problem also have an increased risk of having problems with another organ—diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking or being overweight can all add to the risk.

On the other hand, this also means that by making efforts to improve the health of one organ, you are simultaneously improving your overall health. Here are seven ways to keep your organs healthy.

Stay hydrated

Water helps kidneys remove waste from blood, so it’s always a good idea to stay hydrated by drinking at least four to six glasses per day. If you become dehydrated, toxins can build up and affect your kidneys and your liver. While hydration keeps your blood vessels open to help blood travel freely, dehydration can make your blood thicker and more difficult for your organs to detoxify.

Eat a balanced diet

Natural sources of sugar such as fresh fruit are easier than refined sugars for your body to metabolize without overwhelming your organs. It also helps to eat a lot of fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

In addition to refined sugars, limiting high fructose corn syrup (soft drinks, baked goods, sweets) and foods with saturated fat and refined carbohydrates (white bread, white rice and pasta) will keep your body healthy and functioning properly. Additionally, too much salt can cause high blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart and kidney problems.

Exercise consistently

Physical activity helps to decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increase muscle strength, improve sleep, and control overall body weight. You don’t have to have an intense workout routine—just do something to get your heart rate up on a regular basis.

Be careful with supplements and over-the-counter medications

Mixing medications or taking more than the recommended amount can damage your liver, as it is where most drugs are broken down after being metabolized. Too much of certain vitamin supplements and even herbal remedies may be harmful to your kidneys, as they may build up and cause damage, or react poorly with prescribed medications.

If you’re unsure about which medicines may be more harmful than helpful, talk to your doctor.

Don’t smoke

Smoking causes hardening of the arteries, or even hardening of the kidneys, reducing blood flood in the kidneys and to the heart. It can also cause high blood pressure, which is a cause of both heart and kidney problems.

Additionally, limiting alcohol consumption can reduce damage to the liver.

Keep blood sugar controlled

High blood sugar can cause damage to heart, blood vessels and kidneys, among other essentials in the body. Monitor blood sugar levels frequently, and naturally lower them by following the steps listed above.

Get checked

If you have heart disease, get your kidneys checked; if you have kidney disease, get your heart checked—especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Organs are precious – be sure to protect yours!

A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. Knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.

The following factors may raise a person’s risk of developing kidney cancer:

Smoking.

Smoking tobacco doubles the risk of developing kidney cancer. It is believed to cause about 30% of kidney cancers in men and about 25% in women.

Gender.

Men are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop kidney cancer than women.

Race.

Black people have higher rates of kidney cancer.

Age.

Kidney cancer is typically found in adults and is usually diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70.

Nutrition and weight.

Research has often shown a link between kidney cancer and obesity.

High blood pressure.

Men with high blood pressure, also called hypertension, may be more likely to develop kidney cancer.

Overuse of certain medications.

Painkillers containing phenacetin have been banned in the United States since 1983 because of their link to transitional cell carcinoma. Diuretics and analgesic pain pills, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen, have also been linked to kidney cancer.

Exposure to cadmium.

Some studies have shown a connection between exposure to the metallic element cadmium and kidney cancer. Working with batteries, paints, or welding materials may increase a person’s risk as well. This risk is even higher for smokers who have been exposed to cadmium.

Chronic kidney disease.

People who have decreased kidney function but don’t yet need dialysis may be at higher risk for the development of kidney cancer.

Long-term dialysis.

People who have been on dialysis for a long time may develop cancerous cysts in their kidneys. These growths are usually found early and can often be removed before the cancer spreads.

Family history of kidney cancer.

People who have a strong family history of kidney cancer may have an increased risk of developing the disease. This can include individuals with first-degree relatives, such as a parent, brother, sister, or child. Risk also increases if other extended family members have also been diagnosed with kidney cancer, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and cousins. Specific factors in family members may increase the risk of a hereditary kidney cancer disorder, including diagnosis at an early age, rare types of kidney cancer, cancer in both kidneys (bilaterality), more than 1 tumor in the same kidney (multifocality), and other types of benign or malignant tumors.

If you are concerned kidney cancer may run in your family, it is important to get an accurate family history and to share the results with your doctor. By understanding your family history, you and your doctor can take steps to reduce your risk and be proactive about your health.

KIDNEY CAN – An Initiative by  Kidney Foundation Kerala.