Renal cell carcinoma, or kidney cancer, is among the deadliest conditions, affecting millions across the world. According to statistics, kidney cancer is the 14th most common cancer worldwide and has a rising incidence, with an estimated 403,000 new cases diagnosed annually. It develops when cells in your kidneys change and grow out of control. People with kidney cancer may notice flank pain, high blood pressure, blood in their pee, and other symptoms. According to experts, as with all cancers, early detection is key for successful treatment.

Doctors say even though the exact causes of kidney cancer are not known, there are a few factors—mostly lifestyle-related—that can lead to an increase in your risk of developing it. A few of these include:

According to experts, fast, junk, and processed foods are super delicious but at the same time are loaded with extremely high sources of sodium and phosphorus. Most of those who have kidney disease need to limit phosphorus in their diets. A 2018 prospective study found a 10 per cent increase in kidney cancer risk for people who eat ultra-processed foods. Mortality risk has been associated with lower levels of diet quality. Doctors say red and processed meats have corresponded with lower dietary quality.

Over-the-counter pain medicines, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs and analgesics, may alleviate your aches and pains. They can also harm the kidneys, especially if you already have kidney disease. Reduce your regular use of NSAIDs and never go over the recommended dosage.

A diet packed with salt can alter the sodium balance in your body, leading to your kidneys having reduced function and removing less water, resulting in higher blood pressure. This puts strain on the kidneys and can lead to kidney disease or even cancer.

Drinking water regularly helps your kidneys keep hydrated and clear sodium and toxins from your body. However, not drinking enough water daily increases the risk of kidney damage and certain kidney diseases.

Experts say not drinking enough water makes your body work harder to remove waste from your blood and deliver nutrients to the kidneys. Dehydration also causes urine production which is more concentrated with minerals and waste products, forming crystals that affect kidney function and contribute to kidney stones.

Studies say alcohol consumption heightens your risk of developing kidney cancer. Experts say those who have more than two drinks a day have double the risk of chronic kidney disease as well.

The function of the kidneys in the body is to filter harmful substances like alcohol out of the body. While alcohol is mainly metabolised by the liver, some of these substances are released through the kidneys. So, if you drink alcohol, especially often, the kidneys must work harder to return your blood to its usual state.

Experts say even though kidney cancer may not produce any noticeable symptoms in its early stages as the tumour grows in size, signs do begin to appear. A few of these symptoms include: