1. Quit Smoking to Prevent Renal Cell Carcinoma
Besides causing a whole host of other medical conditions, smoking can lead to kidney conditions, including renal cell carcinoma. If you are having trouble quitting, you can try nicotine gum, hypnosis or counseling. You may be shocked that with just a few weeks without cigarettes, you actually feel healthier. If you have had kidney problems in the past, including infections and pain, your smoking may have been a contributing factor.
2. Don't Overdo Medicine
While it may seem harmless to double the dose of over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers, you may actually be hurting your kidneys. Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen are some of the most commonly used painkillers that can cause a number of kidney conditions. Prolonged misuse (or abuse) of both OTC and prescription drugs may cause renal cell cancer. You should always follow the directions printed on the label or box, and follow your doctor's instructions to prevent harmful effects.
3. Stay Fit
Losing weight may be one of the hardest challenges for men and women, yet it is so crucial to good health. Obesity increases the risk of developing many conditions, including renal cell carcinoma. Some doctors say that obesity is a factor in about two out of every 10 cancer cases. If you have other risk factors for kidney cancer, losing weight becomes even more important. A healthy diet and regular exercise can lead to weight loss, but you may need an extra boost to get you started. Try speaking with a counselor, using acupuncture or joining a weight loss group to keep you going.
4. Limit Exposure to Hazardous Materials
Prolonged exposure to chemicals and hazardous materials, such as pesticides, benzene or asbestos, may lead to renal cell carcinoma. If you work in a field in which exposure to these materials is common, make sure you follow the highest level of safety guidelines. Since you cannot always avoid using substances such as pesticides, you should limit the amount of time you are exposed. You should also document any type of exposure to hazardous materials during work, as you may have a worker's compensation case should cancer develop later.
