The voice of the kidneys: cherish yourself and prevent kidney cancer together

1. Hi, I am your "kidney", come and get to know me!

I, the pair of "kidneys" in your body, are formally called kidneys. I am located on both sides of your lumbar spine, one on each side, about 10-12 cm long, 5-6 cm wide, 3-4 cm thick, and weighing 120-150 grams. I look like two medium-sized potatoes, but I have amazing functions.

I am the "purification factory" of your body, with 2 million nephrons. They work day and night like hard-working workers, filtering out waste and toxins from your body while retaining precious nutrients and water to ensure that your blood is always pure and healthy. However, I also need your love and care. Only when you maintain good living habits can I better perform my duties and ensure your health.

2. Alert! Kidney cancer is approaching me quietly

Although I work diligently for you, sometimes I also face some challenges. Kidney cancer, this dreaded enemy, comes from within me and is quietly eroding my health. Kidney cancer has the highest mortality rate among malignant tumors of the urinary system. It destroys my structure, affects my function, and brings me great pain. And male compatriots are more susceptible to it.

Although kidney cancer is terrible, as long as we are alert in advance and take appropriate measures, we may be able to nip it in the bud. Knowing the symptoms and risk factors of kidney cancer and having regular physical examinations and screening are important ways to protect me from harm.

3. Exploring the root cause of kidney cancer: Why do I get hurt?

The cause of kidney cancer is still unclear, but it is related to genetics, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and other factors. Some people may carry mutations related to kidney cancer in their genes, which makes them more susceptible to kidney cancer. In addition to genetic factors, smoking and obesity are currently recognized risk factors for kidney cancer. So, dear friends, for my health, please stay away from tobacco and control your weight!

4. Why am I so silent when I’m hurt?

First of all, I am located behind the peritoneum of the body and am very hidden, so it is often difficult to directly associate me with you when you feel unwell.

Secondly, I have a powerful "super team" - the kidneys. They know how to work together, half of them are always working and half of them are resting, to ensure that my function is always in the best condition. When kidney cancer invades and some warriors feel powerless, other warriors will step forward to take over their work and continue to complete the task of purifying blood. Therefore, even if I am sick, it is difficult for you to detect it in the early stage.

Moreover, kidney cancer is very cunning. Compared with other malignant tumors, it grows relatively slowly. Until one day, when you suddenly have symptoms such as hematuria, back pain, and abdominal mass, you realize that you may have suffered a serious blow. But often by this time, kidney cancer has progressed to the middle and late stages. Therefore, kidney cancer is also called the "silent killer" and "dumb cancer".

5. Protect me, start with change

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption keeps me away from harm

Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption is one of the important measures to protect me from harm. By reducing the frequency and amount of smoking and drinking, I can reduce the risk of kidney cancer and protect my health.

Eat healthy and give me more energy

Healthy eating habits can provide me with sufficient nutrition and energy to support my normal work. It is recommended to eat more nutritious foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains, while reducing the intake of high-fat, high-sugar and high-salt foods to maintain my health.

Regular physical examinations to detect my " discomfort" in time

Regular physical examinations are one of the important means to discover potential problems. Regular renal function tests, B-ultrasound and other examinations can timely detect abnormal conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that high-risk people over 40 years old have a physical examination once a year; non-high-risk people should have a physical examination every two years.

Control chronic diseases and take good care of me

Chronic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes are my invisible enemies. They have long damaged my health and quietly increased my risk of kidney cancer. Please follow the doctor's advice to actively treat and control these chronic diseases so that I can stay in the best condition.

6. Work with you to prevent kidney cancer

Thank you for taking the time to understand me and care about me. Healthy kidneys mean a better life! Let us work together to change bad living habits, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, eat healthily, have regular physical examinations, control chronic diseases, and jointly resist the threat of kidney cancer and move towards a healthy future!