World Kidney Cancer Day 2024 holds great significance as it serves as a platform for raising awareness about kidney cancer and advocating for early detection and treatment. This global event unites individuals, organizations, and healthcare professionals to educate the public about the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options related to kidney cancer.
Dr. Sashi Kiran A, Consultant Nephrologist at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, underscores the importance of understanding the two most common types of kidney cancer: renal cell carcinomas (RCC) and transitional cell carcinomas. RCC, accounting for 85% of cases, originates in the cortex, while transitional cell carcinomas make up 8% of cases. The prevalence of these tumours in North America is higher, with approximately 17,000 cases in India annually and a 5-year prevalence of 2.84 per 100,000 population.
Various lifestyle and environmental factors have been identified as common risk factors for kidney cancer, including smoking, hypertension, obesity, occupational exposure to certain substances, prolonged use of specific analgesics, chronic hepatitis C infection, and diabetes mellitus. While these risk factors do not guarantee the development of kidney cancer, it is imperative for individuals to be cognizant of them in order to make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle.
Smoking, in particular, significantly increases the risk of RCC, with the intensity and duration of smoking directly correlating to the likelihood of developing the disease. Similarly, hypertension has been linked to an elevated risk of RCC, although the precise biological mechanisms remain unclear. Obesity also contributes to RCC, with overweight individuals often presenting with milder forms of the disease upon diagnosis.
Furthermore, occupational exposure to substances such as cadmium, asbestos, and petroleum products can heighten the risk of developing RCC. Prolonged use of combination analgesics containing phenacetin and aspirin can lead to chronic kidney disease, thereby increasing the risk of developing renal pelvic and urothelial tumours. Additionally, chronic hepatitis C infection, transmitted through blood or high-risk sexual activity, and diabetes mellitus both pose as risk factors for RCC.
The importance of World Kidney Cancer Day lies in the dissemination of knowledge about these risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options. By educating the public, individuals can make informed decisions about their lifestyle choices, potentially reducing their risk of developing kidney cancer. Early detection and treatment are pivotal in improving outcomes for those affected by this disease, underlining the significance of understanding the risk factors associated with kidney cancer.
In conclusion, World Kidney Cancer Day provides an opportunity to underscore the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle and being aware of the risk factors for kidney cancer. Empowering individuals with knowledge and understanding is a crucial step towards reducing the global burden of kidney cancer and enhancing the overall health and well-being of people worldwide.