Ways to Prevent Kidney Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, there will be an estimated 49,096 new cases of kidney cancer and 11,033 deaths in the United States in 2009. Because of these high numbers, it is important to understand that there are ways to prevent kidney cancer. However, while it is important to reduce your risk factors of getting kidney cancer, there are no guarantees as some people are more susceptible to risk factors than others.

Diet

• Focusing on your diet is one of the ways to prevent kidney cancer. Choose a diet abundant in plant-based foods to decrease your risk of kidney cancer. Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. It is also important to eat foods that are low in fat, salt and sodium. Not only is what you eat important, but it is also important to safely prepare and store your foods. Alcohol should be drunk in moderation.

Smoking

• If you smoke, do your best to stop. Smoking has been linked to kidney cancer so quitting smoking is an important component of reducing your risk of getting kidney cancer. Similarly, do not chew tobacco or use tobacco in any way.

Your Weight and Physicality

• Other ways to prevent kidney cancer include maintaining a healthy weight. Find out your BMI (Body Mass Index) and strive to get it in the normal range for your height and gender. If you are obese, take steps to reduce your weight. If you are sedentary, get active. Walk, swim, jog, bike or perform other activities to keep your blood moving and burn calories.

Occupational Exposure

• Avoiding exposure to linked cancer-causing agents such as cadmium and asbestos is another way to reduce your risk of obtaining kidney cancer. If your occupation requires you to work in a blast furnace or coke oven or near linked cancer-causing agents, discuss reducing your risk factors with your doctor and employer.

Hereditary Component

• Certain hereditary conditions have been linked to risk factors for kidney cancer. These include von Hippal-Lindau syndrome and Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma. If these conditions run in your family, you may want to see your doctor about getting tested for these hereditary conditions.

Pain Medication

• Misusing or abusing pain medications, including over-the-counter medications, for an extended period of time also increases your risk factor for kidney cancer.

Health Conditions

• If you have high blood pressure, taking steps to reduce high blood pressure is another way to prevent kidney cancer. In addition, be aware that long-term dialysis may also increase your risk of kidney cancer.