As one of the 10 most common cancers in both men and women, researchers continue to search for more information about the causes and cures the disease. More than 63,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with kidney cancer this year, including 178,130 in California alone. The disease affects nearly twice as many men as women. Of those diagnosed, about 74 percent will survive with cancer treatment.

Most kidney cancers are a type called renal cell carcinoma, which usually forms a single tumor in one of the person’s two kidneys. Kidneys are about the size of a fist and are located in the back of your abdomen. The are an important organ for the proper function of your body as they make urine by removing waste and extra water from your blood. They also help control your blood pressure and to make red blood cells.

With the potential for cancer to destroy these important organs, here are three important facts you should remember about kidney cancer and kidney cancer treatment in Orange County:

Kidney Cancer Is A Combination Of Other Cancers

According to the latest research, kidney cancer is not considered a single disease. It is actually made up of a number of different types of cancer, each with a different cell makeup, a different treatment process, a variety of responses to therapy, and caused by different genes. Studies have discovered the role of thirteen different genes in kidney cancer. These genes are involved in the cell’s ability to sense oxygen, iron, nutrients or energy. Researchers have deduced that kidney cancer is essentially a metabolic disease – one that is affected by a cluster of conditions that occur together. There are several types of kidney cancers, but renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer.

Be Aware Of Kidney Cancer Risk Factors

While the exact cause of kidney cancer is unclear, doctors have compiled a list of factors that may increase your chances of acquiring the disease. These risk factors include:

• Gender, race, and age, for example, can affect your odds of being diagnosed with kidney cancer. African American men of the average age of 64 are most likely candidates.
• Smoking has been linked with as many as one third of all kidney cancer cases. And if you are a current or former smoker, your risk of developing kidney cancer is twice as high as someone who never smoked. Quitting reduces your risk, even if you’ve smoked for years.
• having advanced chronic kidney disease may place you at increased risk for developing kidney cancer.
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Family history of kidney cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• Exposure to chemicals like asbestos and cadmium
• Long-term use of phenacetin (a painkiller).

Kidney Cancer Can Be Treated

While many early symptoms of kidney cancer are not detectable, you can watch for signs like blood in your urine, lower back pain, tiredness, unexplained weight loss, and a long-running fever as possible signs. Like most cancers, kidney cancer treatment depends on the stage of the disease, size, the patient’s general health, age and other factors. Regardless of what stage your kidney cancer is found, you can certainly treat it with a variety of cancer treatment options including radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and nephrectomy. Oftentimes, doctors utilize a combination of these treatment strategies for best results. One of the most advanced cancer treatment centers is located in Orange County and serves kidney cancer patients from all of southern California. Pasadena CyberKnife & Radiation Oncology Center staffs some of the most highly skilled radiation oncologists in the world. They utilize the latest technologies in radiation treatment to provide the most comfortable, non-surgical, and effective treatment available.

Kidney Cancer Treatment in Orange County

Reach out to our team at Orange County CyberKnife and find out more about how we can provide targeted treatment for your kidney cancer. We’ll collaborate with your oncology team to develop the best possible care plan for your unique kidney cancer type and stage, as well as your personal wishes. To find out more, call 714-962-7100 or submit our convenient online appointment form. We’ll contact you to schedule an appointment as quickly as possible and get started providing cancer care and treatment for you and your family members.