In the year 2022, cases of kidney cancer were recorded as nearly 4,35,000, and 1,56,000 deaths were recorded worldwide. Scientists are alarmed that if the current trend continues, the number could potentially double by 2050.
Kidney cancer is a chronic medical condition in which the healthy cells in one or both kidneys grow out of control and begin to form a lump or tumour in the organ. And in the next 25 years, cases of kidney cancer are expected to skyrocket, mostly driven by obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, diabetes and hypertension.
Kidney Cancer Could Double In 2050
A recent groundbreaking research by Fox Chase Cancer Center, found a steep rise in kidney cancer that could double by 2050. The study which is now published in European Urology, titled “Epidemiology of Renal Cancer: Incidence, Mortality, Survival, Genetic Predisposition, and Risk Factors“, highlights in the year 2022, cases of kidney cancer were recorded as nearly 4,35,000, and 1,56,000 deaths were recorded worldwide. Scientists are alarmed that if the current trend continues, the number could potentially double by 2050.
Senior author Alexander Kutikov, MD, FACS, Chair of the Department of Urology at Fox Chase Cancer Center states, “Kidney cancer is a growing global health problem, and both clinicians and policymakers need to prepare for this steep rise, This review is a reference point for the field, summarizing what we know about kidney cancer incidence, survival, genetics, and risk factors.”
Key Findings Of Kidney Cancer
The researchers found survival disparities with five-year survival rates vary from 40% to 75%, depending on geography and access to care. Wealthier regions witnessed improved survival due to earlier detection through routine imaging and greater access to surgery, systemic therapies, and radiation treatments.
The study also noted that an estimated 5% to 8% of kidney cancers are hereditary, often linked to mutations in specific genes. Scientists recommend genetic testing for individuals diagnosed with cancer in both kidneys at a young age, and those with a family history of the disease.
Despite genetic risks, findings show that more than half of kidney cancer cases worldwide are caused by preventable factors, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, smoking, environmental exposures, and lack of physical exercise.
Preventing Kidney Cancer
Researchers emphasized that making a few lifestyle modifications, such as weight control, blood pressure and blood sugar management, and smoking cessation, can significantly lower the risk of developing kidney cancer. “Lifestyle changes like weight control, blood pressure and blood sugar management, and especially smoking cessation, can significantly lower risk. These are prevention strategies that can make a real difference,” Kutikov said.
Functions Of The Kidney
Kidneys are bean-shaped organs, located in the lower back, for removing wastes and excess fluid from your body. Kidneys also remove acid that is produced by the cells of your body to maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals in your blood. But when this balance is disrupted, the nerves, muscles and other tissues in your body may not function normally.
Kidney Cancer Symptoms
In the early stages, people living with kidney cancer may not show any signs or symptoms of kidney cancer, but as the tumour grows, you may experience blood in the urine, pain in your lower back, a lump in the lower back or side of the waist, and an unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever, or fatigue.
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