|
|
|
Project Brotherhood
Facts about kidney cancer
More than 36,000 new cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year - the majority at an advanced stage. This is because the disease often grows without causing any pain. The kidneys' location deep within the body also make it hard to feel small tumors during a physical exam. However, blood and urine screens can signal a kidney problem that warrants further investigation.
Kidney cancer signs & symptoms
- Blood in the urine. Urine color can range from slightly rusty to deep red.
- Chronic low back pain on one side.
- A lump or mass in the side or stomach area.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Chronic, unexplained fever; fatigue.
- Generally "not feeling well" for an extended period.
- Unexplained ankle and leg swelling.
Infection, cysts or other non-cancerous medical conditions can cause similar complaints. See your physician about any of these symptoms.
Who's most at risk?
- Smokers. In fact, their risk is almost double.
- Men. Women, however, develop the disease too.
- People over 40.
- Those with a family history of kidney cancer.
- People who don't exercise.
- Advanced kidney disease patients who need to be on dialysis.
- People very overweight or with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
- People exposed to certain workplace chemicals, especially asbestos, cadmium and those related to iron work and the steel industry.
Prevention
- Don't smoke.
- Exercise daily. As little as 30 minutes can help - especially if you're overweight.
- Commit to regular physical exams.
- If you are on dialysis, follow your doctor's recommendations.
- Shoot for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
Screening guidelines
At age 40 and above, ask your doctor about kidney cancer and for the urine and blood tests that can help detect this disease.
Contact the Project Brotherhood cancer screening and education program at
(203) 867-5479 or e-mail ProjectBrotherhood@srhs.org.
 Return to Project Brotherhood
|
|
