WHAT IS KIDNEY CANCER
Kidney cancer is cancer that affects the kidneys. The kidneys of the organs in the form of kidney beans, each of which is the last of its organs. They are located behind the abdominal organs, with a one on each side of the spine.

Symptoms

Kidney cancer is usually present in the early stages of symptoms in its early stages. At the same time, signs and symptoms may appear, including:

• Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red or cola coloured.

• The pain in the back or sides of the abdomen which does not disappear.

• Appetite loss

• Inexplicable weight loss

• Tiredness

• Fever

CAUSES

• Though causes are not clear, the doctors say that any cancer of the kidneys is caused by some renal cells developing mutations in their DNA. 

• The DNA of a cell contains the instructions about its function. 

• Due to some changes due to some external factors, the cells are instructed to divide and grow rapidly. 

• The accumulation of abnormal cells forms a tumor that may extend beyond the kidney. 

• Some cells may be disproportionate and disseminate (metastasis) to distant parts of the skin.

RISK FACTOR

• Advanced Age. The risk of kidney cancer increases with age.

• Smoking. Smokers have a higher risk of kidney cancer than non-smokers.

• Obesity. Obese people have a higher risk of kidney cancer than people who have a healthier weight.

• High blood pressure (hypertension). People who have high blood pressure are at an increased risk.

• Treatment for renal failure. People receiving extensive dialysis to treat chronic renal failure have a major risk of developing kidney cancer.

• Hereditary syndromes. People with hereditary syndromes may have a higher risk of kidney cancer

• Family background of kidney cancer. Of all the cancer survivors, most of them have some relatives who have kidney cancer.

PREVENTION

One can take proper steps to prevent kidney cancer.

Quit smoking. Please quit smoking immediately if you smoke. There are many options for quitting smoking, including support programs, medications, and nicotine replacement products. Tell your doctor if you want to quit smoking and analyze your options together.

Maintain a healthy weight. Work to maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, you can reduce the number of calories you consume each day and try to do some physical exercises in your day's activities. Take your doctor’s advice about other healthy strategies to help you lose weight.

Controls high blood pressure. Check your blood pressure in the next appointment with your doctor. If your blood pressure is high, you can analyze your options to lower the pressure. Lifestyle measures such as exercise, weight loss and controlled diet can help keep a normal blood pressure. You may need to take medicenes to reduce their blood pressure. Analyze your options with your doctor.

CAN KIDNEY CANCER BE CURED

The cancer, if not removed soon, can interfere with the function of the organ and spread to other tissue and organs. When detected early, kidney cancer is curable most of the time. Also sometimes, in more advanced stages, new therapies and procedures can lead to much improved, overall cure rates of patients.

CAN YOU SURVIVE KIDNEY CANCER

The survival rate for people with kidney cancer is 75% for five years. In itself, survival rates depend on a variety of factors, including the type, cell type, and stage of cancer when diagnosed for the first time. Approximately two-third of the people are diagnosed when the cancer is localized only in the kidney.

DO YOU NEED CHEMO AFTER KIDNEY CANCER

After treatment of kidney cancer with surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a combination of treatments are opted mostly. Occasionally radiotherapy and chemotherapy are used. The people with kidney cancer at a metastatic stage, have to receive multiple lines of therapy.

WHAT IS KIDNEY CANCER PAIN LIKE

The pain may be dull or  sharp on one side of the spine at your back. Some people may also feel pain in the lower parts of ribs. The type of pain associated with Kidney cancer may vary from person to person.

HOW MUCH DOES KIDNEY CANCER SURGERY COST?

In the private hospitals, the total cost of cancer care was estimated at Rs 1,41,774, while in public hospitals it was comparatively poor, at Rs 72,092. The state patronage of the total cost of cancer care in India ranged from Rs 74,699 in Odisha to Rs 2,39,974 in the state of Jharkhand.

HOW LONG CAN YOU LIVE WITH ONE KIDNEY

For a person with one kidney (after surgery) there may be a chance of having high blood pressure later. Though, usually the loss in kidney function is very mild, and so the life span is normal even with one kidney. In most cases, people with one kidney live normal, healthy lives with  little problem. We can say one healthy kidney can work as well as two.