15.2 PTC Cancer Life Phases: Kidney Cancer Prevention

Prevention is clearly the best option when it comes to post-transplant cancer (PTC). Start here for an education in both text and video about preventative things you can do to avoid cancer or at least minimize the higher risks associated with our post-transplant lives given cancer friendly medications we take to stay alive.

It can be scary knowing that you are at an increased risk of developing cancer. By making healthy lifestyle choices now and into the future, you are doing everything you can to protect your health. It is important to know that even if you have several risk factors, it does not mean that you will get cancer for sure. Some people who get cancer may have few or no risks that they know of! Make the appropriate life changes below to limit your risk, and be sure to see your doctor regularly.

Be sure to check out the recommended actions and associated links below for more resources and interesting research articles.  There's even a link to a month planner resource to support your cancer prevention efforts.

Note: For full versions of any of the INTRO video clips below, go to the full library of ONLINE resources at https://www.triowebptc.org/link/resource-library.html

Needless to say, the best treatment is to prevent post-transplant cancers in the first place.  The advice of your transplant team in this regard is your first source, so ask, ask, and then ask again!

Kidney Cancer

What lifestyle choices can you make?

• Quit smoking if you smoke or vape.
• Stay active to avoid obesity and high blood pressure.
• Choose a diet high in fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid harmful chemicals that may be present at your workplace.
• Be sure to manage your diabetes if you have it.
• Surround yourself with a supportive social circle to help cope with stress.

• Wash your hands thoroughly and a lot.
• Try and avoid large crowds, especially during cold and flu seasons.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose after coming into contact with another person or surface, like after touching a door handle for example.
• Clean and sanitize surfaces often.

Ask your doctor about a flu shot every year, and a pneumonia vaccine.

Why Is Prevention Important?

Prevention is more important than ever. In the U.S., 1 in 4 people will develop cancer at some point in their lives. A cancer diagnosis can be devastating for patients and their families. The physical and emotional distress may be a compelling enough reason to help individuals lower their cancer risk. But we also know that rates of cancer are increasing in the United States, which translates to a growing burden in terms of treatment and costs for care. By preventing cancer, the number of new cases will be lowered and reduce the burden that cancer places on the population.

How Many Cancers Could Be Prevented

Around 40 percent of cancer cases are preventable, which means that 694,000 cases of cancer could be prevented in the U.S. every year by reducing our exposure to the cancer risk factors that we can control – including diet, weight and physical inactivity.

In general, the best prevention of all kinds of cancers involves proper exercise and diet.   Once initial transplant recovery is achieved, most find renewed energy and passion for those two areas of our lives, but lifetime discipline in those is another challenge.  Setting goals and tracking/celebrating achievements is a good practice for long-term commitments and success.
  

1. Continue your reading here on the TRIO PTC website, walking through the remaining LIVE topics of DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT and LONG TERM RECOVERY to round out your knowledge of this important education using the links below.
2. Need inspiration?  Watch the PATIENT CANCER SURVIVAL testimonials in the LINKS section of this site (if you are willing to add your own PTC survival story, write to info@TRIOweb.org with contact information).
3. Review the 10 Best Practices offered in the LINKS section and build your own life plan with those that apply to your life (do you have additional 'best practices' you would like to suggest be added, go to the BLOG from the LINKS section and make a contribution to that topic - we may even add yours to our list!).
4. Go to the BLOG section under LINKS and review the topics there to see if you find one of interest to you.  Add your own comments to that topic if you can, to help others with similar interests.
5. Check out the research article links below for more insights.
6. Download the 30 Day Cancer Prevention Planner to help with your own daily habit development.
7. Read: Reduce Your Cancer Risk with Physical Activity
8. Read: Cut unhealthy behaviors to reduce cancer mortality by one third
9. Read: 10 Cancer Prevention Recommendations

See the easy to use next step links below . . .

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