World Kidney Cancer Day is celebrated every year on the second Thursday of June to raise awareness about this disease.

According to experts, several key risk factors for kidney cancer have been identified, including smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, family history of kidney cancer and exposure to toxins found in some industrial environments.

"Being aware of these risk factors can allow people to make informed decisions about their health and potentially reduce their risk of developing kidney cancer," said Dr. C.N. Patil, HOD and Principal Consultant – Medical Oncology and Hemato-Oncology at Aster International Institute of Oncology, told IANS.

According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), kidney cancer is one of the top 10 cancers in India and accounts for 2 to 3 percent of all cancer cases.

"Kidney cancer constitutes about 2 to 3 percent of all cancers in our country, with about 15,000 new cases diagnosed annually. The incidence is notably higher in men than in women, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 2 :1." said Dr. Raghunath S.K., Senior Consultant and Head of Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, HCG Cancer Centre, Bengaluru.

Early-stage kidney cancer often has no symptoms. However, experts suggested watching for warning signs such as blood in the urine, persistent back or side pain, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.

Experts highlighted that lifestyle changes play a crucial role in preventing kidney cancer.

"Regular exercise, a nutritious diet and staying hydrated are essential practices for overall kidney health," said Dr. P.N. Gupta, Director and HOD - Nephrology and Kidney Transplant, Paras Health, Gurugram.

"Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with regular physical activity, can significantly reduce the risk of cancer. Additionally, it is imperative to avoid tobacco in all its forms, as smoking is a major risk factor for many types of cancer, including kidney cancer," he added.

Experts also mentioned that the outlook for kidney cancer patients has improved considerably due to advances in treatment.

The most common approach is surgery, which may involve removing the entire kidney or just the cancerous part. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy have improved survival rates and patients' quality of life, they noted.