According to the American Cancer Society, the kidneys help remove wastes and excess salt and water from the body, as well as help ensure the body has enough red blood cells by producing a hormone called erythropoietin. Kidney cancer, also called renal cell carcinoma, is cancer that starts in the kidneys. While good nutrition will not cure cancer, it can help the body build and maintain strength and be better able to recover.
Significance
The National Cancer Institute estimates that in 2010, more than 58,000 new diagnoses of kidney cancer were made, with more than 13,000 individuals dying from the disease that same year. According to the American Cancer Society, kidney cancer is one of the top 10 most diagnosed cancers in both men and women, and the lifetime risk of developing the disease is nearly 1-in-70. The Kidney Cancer Association says that although the link between diet and kidney cancer is not clear, diet has been associated with approximately 35 percent of all cancers.
Treatment
Treatment for kidney cancer can consist of one or more options, including surgery, which involves removal of part or all of the kidney or adrenal glands; radiofrequency or cryo-ablation, which destroys parts of the tumor; radiation therapy; chemotherapy; targeted therapies; and immunotherapy, says the American Cancer Society.
Diet for Patients
The Moffitt Cancer Center suggests that individuals with kidney cancer eat a diet high in vegetables and low in red meat. Processed meats should be avoided, and daily physical activity is recommended to help reduce the risk of the disease worsening or recurring. Staying hydrated and limiting sodium can be especially important in individuals with kidney disease or cancer, and a diet with these features is often suggested, says the Moffitt Cancer Center. Talking to the health care team or a dietitian who specializes in cancer nutrition may also be helpful, says the National Cancer Institute.
Post Treatment
Treatment such as chemotherapy may change the way foods taste and can lead to nausea, vomiting and lack of appetite, making eating unappealing. Lack of appetite can lead to weight loss, even after treatment has ended. The American Cancer Society says that eating small meals every two or three hours, even when not hungry, can be helpful in maintaining weight and obtaining necessary nutrients and calories. Increasing the variety of foods can also help with regaining appetite and staying healthy. Sticking with whole grains, fruits and vegetables--and limiting processed foods, meats and alcohol--is recommended, even after kidney cancer treatment.
Warning
Prior to changing a diet during kidney cancer treatment, talking to the health care team can provide important information about any foods to avoid, as well as any vitamins or foods that may be especially helpful with a given treatment. Finding foods that work for each individual is a personal choice and can vary among patients. It is important to find which foods are easily tolerated, says the National Cancer Institute, and to make sure adequate nutrition is obtained to keep the body strong and healthy during cancer, its treatment and recovery.
References
- National Cancer Institute: Kidney Cancer Home Page
- American Cancer Society: Kidney Cancer--What are the key statistics of kidney cancer?
- Kidney Cancer Association: Living with Cancer
- American Cancer Society: Kidney Cancer--Making treatment decisions
- Moffitt Cancer Center: Kidney Cancer
- National Cancer Institute: Eating Hints
