The kidneys are like the janitors of your body. Amazingly, these two fist-sized organs filter enough blood to fill a large bathtub, every day, according to the Cleveland Clinic.  In doing so, they play an important part in the health of the urinary system, removing waste and helping balance the fluids in your body.   

A number of things can go awry with the kidneys, including kidney disease, kidney infections and kidney cancer. In fact, March is Kidney Cancer Awareness month, and a wonderful time to pay tribute to those bean-shaped organs. According to the Kidney Cancer Association, nearly 82,000 new cases of kidney cancer will be diagnosed this year; further, nearly 600,000 people in the United States live with kidney cancer. To protect yourself, and your kidneys, from cancer and other conditions, read our tips on how you can show those little cleaner-uppers some love this month.  

Educate yourself on what kidney cancer is and who is at risk. When cells grow out of control and cause cancer in the kidneys, it’s referred to as kidney and renal pelvis cancer, or renal cell cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, kidney cancer is among the 10 most common types of cancer for women and men; and men are almost twice as likely as women to get it; it’s also more common in African Americans and American Indians/Alaskan Natives. Kidney cancer is generally diagnosed in older adults, with the average age being 64.

Familiarize yourself with the possible symptoms. Some people with this kind of cancer may not have any symptoms; others may have symptoms that could also be indicative of any number of conditions. It’s helpful to read up on some of the common symptoms and talk to your doctor about any concerns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those symptoms include the following:

    • Blood in your urine
    • A lump or swelling in the kidney area or abdomen
    • Ongoing pain in the lower back or side
    • Frequent feelings of tiredness
    • Fever that comes and goes
    • Loss of appetite
    • Unexplained weight loss
    • Feeling a blockage in your bowels
    • Just generally feeling badly 

Learn about your family history. Talk to your relatives about kidney cancer in your family. If you have first-degree relatives who have been diagnosed with this kind of cancer, you may be at an increased risk, and should share that information with your doctor. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have been diagnosed with a syndrome such as von Hippel-Lindau disease, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, tuberous sclerosis and familial papillary renal cell carcinoma, you may have a higher risk.

Manage your chronic health conditions. People who have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and/or a family history of kidney failure may face an elevated risk for kidney cancer, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). To stay on top of your health, make regular appointments with your healthcare provider and follow their advice. In addition, ask any questions you might have about your kidney health, and seek their advice on what actions you should take or avoid

Make lifestyle choices that may help your kidneys function better. The same general advice on how to stay healthy overall applies to caring for your kidneys, as well, according to NIDDK. That means it’s important to quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, make healthy food choices, limit how much alcohol you drink, get enough sleep and manage your stress.

Help raise awareness about kidney cancer. If this is an area that’s impacted you and your family, you may feel passionate about it. March is the time to channel those emotions into action, whether it’s a fundraising event such as a run or walk, or volunteering with an organization dedicated to kidney health.  

Your kidneys work tirelessly for you day in and day out, often without any recognition. This month, give them the thanks and acknowledgment they deserve. By making healthier choices, you’re supporting your kidneys, and your other organs, too. And, importantly, if you haven’t been to the doctor for a physical in a while, or if you haven’t been feeling your best, make an appointment today.