Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Our kidneys are the silent, hardworking filters of our bodies, tirelessly cleaning our blood to remove waste and maintain overall health. But when the cells within these vital organs begin to grow uncontrollably, it can lead to kidney cancer, a serious and life-threatening disease.
While the exact cause of any individual cancer can be complex, medical experts have identified several key risk factors that significantly increase a person's chances of developing the disease. Awareness of these risks is the first and most crucial step toward prevention and early detection.
Here are the primary risk factors for kidney cancer you should know:
1. Smoking: This is one of the most significant and preventable risk factors. The harmful carcinogens in tobacco are absorbed into the bloodstream, filtered by the kidneys, and can directly damage the cells, leading to cancerous growth. Smokers have a substantially higher risk compared to non-smokers.
2. Obesity: Carrying excess body weight can cause hormonal changes that are known to promote the growth of certain types of cancer cells, including renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer.
3. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Chronic high blood pressure puts immense strain on the delicate blood vessels within the kidneys. Over time, this damage can increase the risk of cancer developing in the organ.
4. Family History and Genetics: If a close relative—such as a parent or sibling—has had kidney cancer, your own risk is elevated. Certain rare genetic syndromes can also dramatically increase the likelihood of developing kidney tumors.
5. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Individuals who suffer from long-term, advanced kidney disease, particularly those who require dialysis, are at a higher risk. The underlying conditions that cause kidney failure can also contribute to the development of cancer.
6. Age and Gender: The risk of kidney cancer rises with age, with most cases diagnosed in people over 60. Additionally, men are about twice as likely to develop the disease as women.
7. Long-Term Use of Certain Medications: Extended use of some over-the-counter pain relievers has been linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer, though this is generally associated with very high, long-term doses.
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