Kidney cancer is a growing health concern worldwide. In the United States, Kidney cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers. It accounts for about 4% to 5% of all cancers. Kidney cancer is also the 14th most common cancer worldwide.

When the cells in your kidneys change and grow abnormally it can result in Kidney cancer. While there are many other factors that could increase your chance of getting the disease, some of them are still under your control. Here are 5 ways in which you can reduce the risk of getting kidney cancer.

Quit smoking

Smoking increases your risk of getting kidney cancer by 39% compared to non-smokers. People who have smoked and they quit are also at a 20% higher risk compared to others. Quitting the habit of smoking is the best way to reduce your risk of getting kidney cancer. It is also best for the health of your lungs and respiratory system. "Even smoking a few cigarettes per day significantly increases kidney cancer risk. Quitting smoking reduces the risk, the earlier the better," a 2019 study stresses.

Maintain a healthy body weight

American Cancer Society notes that people who have excess body weight have a higher risk for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is the most common type of kidney cancer. This is because excess body weight could lead to changes in certain hormones that can lead to RCC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), says that more than 42% of people in the United States aged 20 and older have obesity. A 2018  hints that the risk of kidney cancer is linked to the increase in BMI (Body Mass Index). "The overall and dose-response meta-analysis suggested that overweight/obesity increases the risk of kidney cancer both in men and women," the study result concludes. Obesity is also linked with many other health issues, so maintaining a moderate weight is key to keeping the diseases at bay.

Control your blood pressure

Chronic high blood pressure has been linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer. Though high blood pressure does not usually cause symptoms, over time it could damage your arteries, especially in the kidneys and eyes. Controlling blood pressure is crucial in decreasing your risk of kidney cancer.

Watch your diet

What you eat plays a crucial role in impacting your risk of developing kidney cancer. Eating a balanced nutritional diet is great for your overall health. Similarly, including more fruits and vegetables will lower the risk of kidney cancer, according to a  .