This 'World Kidney Day' get a deeper sense of your 'Nephrotic Health' & 'Renal Cell Cancer
The theme for this year"s World Kidney Day is "Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable!
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World Kidney Day is an annual event observed on the second Thursday of March to raise awareness about the importance of kidney health and the impact of kidney disease on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. World Kidney Day is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF).
The theme for this year's World Kidney Day is 'Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable! This highlights the significant impact of unannounced disastrous events, such as local (earthquakes, floods, etc) and global events such as the COVID-19 Pandemic. Events like these affect people suffering from chronic diseases such as Kidney diseases as it disrupts the diagnostic services and jeopardizes their access to treatments.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which include chronic lung diseases, chronic kidney diseases (CKD), diabetes, cancer, and hypertension, are known to be the main causes of death and disability worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income nations. Due to their constant need for consistently coordinated care, which is frequently lifelong and involves complex ongoing treatment, this core group of the community is among the most vulnerable in the event of emergencies.
One in ten people is affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) globally, which is dangerous and lethal if untreated. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the 6th fastest-growing cause of death. Approximately 1 in 3 adults with diabetes has Chronic Kidney Disease. Around 1.7 million people are estimated to die annually because of acute kidney injury (AKI) globally.
The kidneys are one of the most vital organs in the human body, responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and regulating the levels of essential nutrients and electrolytes. When the kidneys are not functioning correctly, toxins can build up in the body, leading to serious health problems, including kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke. Kidney disease can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in people over 60 years of age, people with diabetes or high blood pressure, and those with a family history of kidney disease.
March is known as the month for kidney cancer awareness.
The estimated incidence of kidney cancer in India is close to 1/100,000 in the female population and about 2/100,000 in the male population. Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the kidneys. The ribbon color for Kideny Cancer is orange. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type which accounts for 90% of kidney cancer cases.
Symptoms of Kidney Cancer include:Loss of Appetite
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss (not by diet)
- Persistent pain in your back or side
- Blood in the urine, urine color may look Pink or Red
Major Risk Factors of Kidney Cancer include:
- Diabetes
- Older age.
- Obesity.
- Family history of kidney cancer.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
Treatment for Kidney Cancer includes:
The treatment for kidney cancer starts by conducting tests to rule out cancer
- Blood and urine tests.
- Removing a sample of kidney tissue (biopsy)
After the tests, the net step is staging cancer on which further treatment is based
- Removing the kidney (Nephrectomy)
- Removing the tumor from the kidney (partial nephrectomy).
- Targeted therapy
- Radiation therapy
What is a kidney transplant and when is it needed?
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure used to replace a sick kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor. The kidney may come from a living or deceased donor. Family members or other suitable candidates may be able to donate one of their kidneys. A living transplant is a term used to describe this kind of transplant. Most frequently, a transplant recipient receives just 1 kidney. Rarely, he or she might receive two kidneys from a deceased donor. A kidney transplant is needed when someone is diagnosed with End stage renal disease. This is a permanent condition of kidney failure. Kidney transplantation is a life-saving treatment option for people with end-stage kidney disease, and organ donation can make a significant difference in the lives of those waiting for a transplant.
The stage of your cancer plays an important role in the survival rate of Kidney Cancer. The five-year survival rate of Stage 1 cancer is 81%, for Stage 2 it is 74%, for Stage 3 it is 53% and for Stage 4 it is 8%. The higher the stage of your cancer the lower the survival rate.
The good news is that kidney disease is preventable and can be managed effectively if detected early. The key to preventing kidney disease is to adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. A healthy diet that is low in salt, saturated fat, and processed foods is particularly important for maintaining kidney health.
It is also important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a family history of kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Your healthcare provider can perform simple tests to check your kidney function and identify any early signs of kidney disease.
If you are diagnosed with kidney disease, there are several steps you can take to manage your condition and improve your quality of life. This includes following a kidney-friendly diet, staying hydrated, taking medications as prescribed, and avoiding over-the-counter medications that can damage the kidneys. Your healthcare provider can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs.
In conclusion, World Kidney Day is an important event that highlights the need to focus on kidney health and the prevention of kidney disease. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, having regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, and supporting organ donation, we can work together to prevent kidney disease and improve the quality of life for people living with kidney disease. Remember, taking care of your kidneys is essential for living a healthy and fulfilling life.