The number of kidney cancer cases has increased in recent years. Data from GLOBOCAN, under the coordination of the World Health Organization (WHO), shows that the global incidence of kidney cancer in men reaches 4.8 percent compared to other types of cancer. This places kidney cancer as the seventh most common cancer among men. Prostate cancer ranks first at 31.7 percent.
The age range of patients is also shifting, increasingly affecting younger individuals. Unlike other diseases that can be easily detected, kidney cancer develops slowly without showing symptoms in its early stages. Recently, singer and public figure Vidi Aldiano passed away at the age of 35 on Saturday (March 7) due to kidney cancer, which he had been battling since 2019.
A Urology Specialist from the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), Dr. Ahmad Zulfan Hendri, stated that kidney cancer is not a contagious disease and is not transmitted through hereditary genetic history. The disease originates from clear cells or tumors that appear transparent when observed under a microscope. The exact cause of these tumors remains unknown; however, they are associated with lifestyle-related risk factors, such as smoking habits, a history of hypertension or regular consumption of foods that increase blood pressure, as well as a low metabolic rate that can lead to overweight conditions.
Zulfan further explained that individuals with a family history of kidney cancer have a risk that is more than twice as high. Moreover, those who have previously experienced impaired kidney function are also at greater risk compared to individuals with normal kidney function. Cases are usually detected only when patients are unaware that their kidney cancer has progressed to the intermediate or advanced stages.
“This cancer does not show specific symptoms in its early stages, and this is where people often overlook it. Patients tend to seek medical help when the cancer is already advanced. Because it shows no symptoms at all, people come in when the condition has worsened, resulting in lower life expectancy,” he explained on Wednesday (April 1).
Zulfan noted that symptoms commonly appear only when the disease has reached the intermediate stage. Several signs may be identified, such as blood in the urine, discomfort accompanied by a lump in the lower back, or persistent aches often ignored.
He advised individuals with a family history of kidney cancer or kidney function disorders to undergo routine ultrasonography (USG) examinations and medical check-ups at least once a year.
“This effort aims to minimize the emergence of new cases, as diagnoses are often incidental,” he said.
According to Zulfan, there are two types of treatment approaches for patients diagnosed with kidney cancer. In cases that have not yet reached an advanced stage, where the tumor size is no larger than 7 centimeters, curative surgical removal is considered an effective solution. Meanwhile, for cases where the tumor has spread, various treatments are required to slow the spread of cancer cells and help prolong the patient’s life.
“Cancer is a semi-emergency condition. We are racing against time. The more patients neglect or are inconsistent with follow-up care, the wider the opportunity for tumor cells to spread,” he stated.
To prevent kidney cancer, he recommends adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and avoiding smoking and alcohol. Meanwhile, if indications of kidney cancer are found during routine examinations, patients should follow their doctor’s recommendations.
“If cancer is detected at an early stage, please follow the treatment program that has been established by your doctor,” he advised.
Author: Ika Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zabrina Kumara
Photo: Freepik