On June 19, World Kidney Cancer Day, doctors at Fortis Hospital in Mohali are raising awareness about the increasing incidence of kidney cancer in India. They are highlighting the symptoms of the disease, which include abdominal pain, swelling in the abdomen, unexplained weight loss, and blood in urine. Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a chronic disease that originates in the kidneys when cells grow out of control. The global theme for this year’s World Kidney Cancer Day is “Show Your Kidneys Some Love,” which aims to encourage people to take care of their kidneys.
Dr. Dharmender Aggarwal, a consultant in uro-oncology and robotic surgery, shared a health advisory to shed light on kidney cancer, its causes, warning signs, and prevention. According to him, the main causes of kidney cancer are smoking, obesity, poor diet, high blood pressure, long-term kidney dialysis, exposure to chemicals, and hereditary factors. The warning signs of kidney cancer include blood in urine, abdominal pain and swelling, lump in the abdomen, constant tiredness, unexplained weight loss, and fever not caused by cold or flu.
The main treatment for kidney cancer is surgery, which may be partial or radical nephrectomy. In partial nephrectomy, the surgeon removes the tumor-affected part of the kidney, while in radical nephrectomy, the entire kidney is removed. Dr. Aggarwal emphasized that while kidney cancer cannot be prevented, the risk of contracting the disease can be lowered by abstaining from smoking, controlling hypertension, getting regular ultrasounds, and maintaining a healthy weight.
He also stressed the importance of early detection and treatment, which can improve the chances of survival. By raising awareness about kidney cancer and its symptoms, doctors hope to encourage people to take preventive measures and seek medical attention if they experience any unusual symptoms. By showing love and care to our kidneys, we can reduce the risk of kidney cancer and maintain overall health and well-being. As the world observes World Kidney Cancer Day, it is essential to prioritize kidney health and take proactive steps to prevent this chronic disease.