Kidney Disease and Future Cancer Risk
Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD and Kidney Cancer can be inter-related in several ways. Kidney Cancer can be the cause of Chronic Kidney Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease can be the cause of Kidney Cancer either in a direct or indirect manner.
The month of March is known for its awareness of Kidney Cancer. It is indicated by an orange cancer ribbon.
Medication Information to treat Kidney Cancer
Chronic Kidney Disease itself can be a risk factor for renal cell carcinoma – a very common type of kidney cancer. This is because of other common risk factors between them, especially:
• Obesity: People who are overweight have a higher risk of chronic kidney disease and kidney cancer (especially renal cell carcinoma) because of increase of certain hormones.
•
: People over the age of 60 years are more likely to have chronic kidney disease while people in the age group of 50-70 years are more likely to have kidney cancer. This may be the result of natural loss of some kidney functions in old age.
• Smoking: Smoking can significantly increase the risks of getting both chronic kidney disease or kidney cancer. The more a person smokes, the more they have a higher risk.
• Genetic Factors: Some patients may have a genetic inheritance to develop chronic kidney disease or kidney cancer more often. Such conditions are less likely and also may vary from one family to another.
• Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and Asian-Americans have been recorded to have a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease or kidney cancer. Higher chances of diabetes and high blood pressure in these groups may be the reason.
• Gender: Men are more likely to have chronic kidney disease or kidney cancer which may be the result of more male smoker or exposure to hazardous chemicals in factories.
It is recommended to consult with your doctor about the common risk factors between chronic kidney disease and kidney cancers such as renal cell carcinoma.
Future Risk from Chronic Kidney Cancer:
Cancer Deaths are more likely for patients whose kidneys are not functioning properly. According to recent research on chronic kidney disease, patients suffering from it are not only more likely to develop kidney cancers but it may also contribute towards the rate of cancer mortality.
Not all the symptoms of chronic kidney disease are generally noticeable at first. If left unchecked and untreated, the risks of developing kidney cancer are even higher.
Additionally, CKD as a pre-existing condition is common in kidney cancer patients. This may further complicate your cancer treatment. Having CKD may even affect the safety and effectiveness of medications for kidney cancer. As a result, your cancer treatment may have to involve certain uncommon treatment options.
A person having chronic kidney disease often can show the following signs:
• Itchiness
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Shortness of breath and/or difficulty in sleeping
• Swelled feet and/or ankles
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle cramps
Some of the more severe symptoms include:
• Skin Rashes
• hypertension
• Pain in the abdomen or back
• Diarrhea
• Nosebleeds
Certain factors can be kept in mind to prevent risks of developing chronic kidney disease that may even lead to the development of renal cell carcinoma or
other types of kidney cancers and cancer deaths.
• Having a healthy blood pressure
• Having a healthy weight
• Limitations on alcohol consumption and smoking
• Controlling blood sugar if you have diabetes