Reducing Your Risk of Kidney Cancer

A risk factor increases your chances of developing cancer. Modifying the following risk factors may help reduce your risk of kidney cancer.

Because doctors do not know what causes kidney cancer, there are no well-established guidelines for reducing your risk of the disease.

General Guidelines

Avoid Exposure to Cancer-causing Substances

Avoiding exposure to cancer-causing substances will decrease your risk of developing kidney cancer. Suggestions include:

Don’t smoke. If you smoke, ]]>quit]]> .
Do not work or live in places that contain asbestos or other kidney cancer-causing toxins.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

]]>Obesity]]> is thought to be a risk factor for kidney cancer. If you are overweight, a healthy diet and ]]>exercise]]> may reduce your risk of kidney cancer as well as other health problems. Talk to your doctor about changing your diet and starting an exercise routine.

Reference:

American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp?level=0 .

Kidney Cancer Association website. Available at: http://www.kidneycancerassociation.org/ .

National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/ .

Last reviewed November 2008 by ]]>Mohei Abouzied, MD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.