Top 7 Things You Can do to Prevent / Treat Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer can cause several symptoms, especially related to the urinary system, and affect your routine activities significantly. Hence, it is important to prevent kidney cancer or treat it in an appropriate way. Here are 7 things you can do to prevent and treat kidney cancer.
7. Maintain a healthy weight
Research studies have linked obesity to a higher risk of kidney cancer. Hence, it is important to maintain a healthy weight to prevent this condition. [1]
6. Nephrectomy
Nephrectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the affected kidney or a part of it. It can help to limit the extent of cancer and speed up the recovery of patients. [2]
5. Arterial embolization
This treatment involves the insertion of material into an artery that supplies blood to the kidneys. The material blocks the blood flow to the cancer mass thus causing the death of cancer cells. This procedure can help to shrink tumors. [3]
4. Thermal ablation
Thermal ablation works by exposing cancer cells to heat or extremely cold temperatures. Burning or freezing of cancer cells prevents their survival thus causing shrinkage of the tumor. [4]
3. Immunotherapy
This form of treatment works by stimulating the functions of the immune system thereby enhancing the body’s own ability to destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapy is often combined with other treatments for kidney cancer to derive better results. [5]
2. Targeted therapies
Targeted therapies help in the treatment of kidney cancer by directly inhibiting the growth of immature cancer cells. Targeted therapies are more effective in patients having an early stage of kidney cancer. [6]
1. Avoid alcohol intake
It has been found that the risk of mortality associated with kidney cancer is higher in patients with a history of alcoholism. Hence, restricting alcohol intake is highly recommended to improve the outcome of treatments of kidney cancer. [7]
Conclusion
These treatments are highly effective for slowing down the growth and spread of kidney cancer. Regular treatment and careful monitoring are the keys to supporting faster recovery and preventing relapse of kidney cancer.