We all know that coffee itself has protective effects, especially black coffee when taken without sugar, but can the same be said conclusively about instant coffee? Instant coffee contains a chemical called acrylamide, a probable human carcinogen that could cause various types of cancer, including kidney cancer.
Acrylamide is a potentially harmful chemical that forms when coffee beans are roasted. It is also found in a wide range of foods, smoke, household items, and personal care products. Studies have found that overexposure to acrylamide may damage the nervous system and increase the risk of cancer.
This information comes from Dr Jovita Martin Daniel, Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology at the MGM Cancer Institute in Chennai. While drinking a cup of instant coffee may not 100 percent give you cancer, Dr Jovita says moderation matters and it is better to be aware of the possible association with an increased risk of cancer.
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Kidney cancer on the rise
In a conversation with Dr Jovita about renal cell carcinoma, commonly known as kidney cancer, the cancer specialist reveals everyday habits linked to kidney cancer risk.
Kidney cancer may not receive as much attention as other types of cancer, but its prevalence and impact on global health are significant.
To shed light on this often overlooked disease, Dr Jovita provides valuable insights into the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options associated with kidney cancer.
According to Globocan 2020 data, kidney cancer ranks among the top 15 cancers globally — both in terms of new cases per year and mortality — with an alarming 2 percent increase in incidence each year. It is estimated that by 2025, there are likely to be about 5,00,000 new cases per year.
“Back in 1975, it was only 7.1 cases per one lakh population. In 2016, it rose up to 14.9. Now, it is much higher,” she tells South First.
Dr Jovita explains several factors that contribute to the development of kidney cancer, including smoking, obesity, uncontrolled hypertension, and occupational exposures to harmful chemicals, living in industrial areas, etc.
Not just old, even young people are diagnosed with renal cancer today. Dr Jovita says that though the cancer is mostly seen amongst older adults, these days even young people are not risk free, owing to pollution, poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, rise in obesity, etc.
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Love barbecues? Your kidneys may not!
An intriguing point that Dr Jovita emphasises is the potential link between diet and kidney cancer. She says that the smoked foods or barbecues can have a large amount of nitrogenous substances. When food, especially meat, is cooked at high temperatures over an open flame or hot coals, they can undergo certain chemical reactions.
“I am not against barbecued foods, but it is important to know that these reactions can lead to the formation of harmful compounds known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These substances have been shown to be carcinogenic in animal studies and are considered possible human carcinogens,” she explains.
Meanwhile, pickled foods and processed foods are also said to be bad for kidney health. Along with this, the chemicals in colouring agents in processed foods adds to the risk, Dr Jovita says. She adds that all these can cause not only kidney cancer but also other types of cancers and chronic diseases.
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What’s in the soil?
Dr Jovita says that natural and artificial chemicals in our food can also lead to kidney cancer.
Citing a study from Thailand, Dr Jovita explains, “A study was done on paddy fields in Thailand. They grew paddy in soil which was rich in cadmium (a chemical) and soil with less cadmium. They found that people who ate the rice grown in soil with high levels of cadmium showed a higher risk of urinary tract stones, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and chronic diseases.”
Dr Jovita states that this is possible in India as well even though no such studies have been done in the country.
She adds that insecticides, pesticides and artificial ripening agents used while farming can also cause renal cancer.
She stresses on the need to increase vegetable intake and eat the right quantity of meat to ensure good kidney health. She also acknowledges that there is no definitive evidence linking specific vegetables to kidney cancer, so she stresses the importance of consuming a balanced diet with a focus on vegetables.
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Detection and symptoms of kidney cancer
Dr Jovita touches upon the importance of early detection and the challenges involved in diagnosing kidney cancer.
Symptoms of kidney cancer include fever, weight loss, increased RBCs, increased leucocytes, hypercalcemia in the blood, and pain in the lower back. If any of these symptoms are noticed or if blood tests identify changes in any of these parameters, it could indicate some issue with the kidneys, says Dr Jovita.
“Some people may have swelling of the face or uncontrolled hypertension. All of these can point to something to do with the kidneys. It is important to test then,” she says.
She adds that it is important to perform scans to identify such issues with the kidneys. If changes are seen, then multiple scans may be needed.
“When we offer screening programmes, people ask why they should take it up. They often feel it is unnecessary — just a business game in medicine. But it’s not like that. If there is anything specific noticed, we definitely need to follow it up and give it some credit,” she explains.
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Treatment options for kidney cancer
Regarding treatment options, Dr Jovita highlights the significant advancements in recent times.
“Immunotherapy has revolutionised the field of cancer treatment, providing new possibilities for managing kidney cancer. Various drugs and combination therapies, including immunotherapy and targeted kinase inhibitors, have shown promising results. Additionally, a new classification system criterion helps determine the appropriate treatment based on risk category,” she says.
Additionally, targeted kinase inhibitors that disrupt specific pathways involved in tumour growth have emerged as effective treatment options.
She highlights the importance of the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) criteria in determining the appropriate treatment for patients. The IMDC criteria helps classify patients based on their risk category, considering factors such as performance status, time from diagnosis to treatment, and blood test results. This classification system allows for personalised care and tailored treatment plans to optimise patient outcomes.
Dr Jovita additionally notes that the state governments can identify high-risk groups, especially those residing in industrial areas, and put screening strategies in place for early detections. Also, public health awareness on renal cell carcinoma is very important, she advocates.
