Eating Tomatoes May Lower Kidney Cancer Risk

Who would have thought tomatoes, of all foods, could lower a person’s risk of kidney cancer? According to a long-term study conducted by the Women’s Health Initiative, women who ate tomatoes and other lycopene-containing foods lowered their risk of developing kidney cancer by 45 percent. 

At Affiliated Urologists, we focus on performing ground-breaking procedures, achieving high patient satisfaction and most importantly, staying at the forefront of all things urology-related. 

We believe patient education is vital to building and maintaining patient-physician trust, and although the study addresses women specifically, we feel sharing this news will educate men and women on ways to prevent kidney cancer. Continue reading for details on this unique study!

The study, which followed roughly 92,000 postmenopausal women from the mid-1990s to 2013, was designed to better understand the cause of diseases in older women. Out of the 92,000 women, 383 were diagnosed with kidney cancer. Investigators looked into these cancer diagnoses and tried to find a relationship between their diets and cancer. The results indicated lycopene was associated with a lower risk of kidney cancer and women who ate roughly four tomatoes a day had a 45 percent lower risk of the disease. 

Of course, there are other foods that contain lycopene. The top ten high-lycopene foods (by nutrient density, compliments of healthaliciousness.com) can be seen below:

  1. Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  2. Tomato Puree
  3. Guava
  4. Watermelon
  5. Tomatoes (cooked)
  6. Papaya
  7. Grapefruit
  8. Sweet Red Peppers (cooked)
  9. Dried Basil
  10. Chicken Liver (cooked)

Unfortunately, kidney cancer doesn’t usually cause symptoms in the beginning stages, so it’s important patients self-advocate and discuss testing and specific medical examinations to lower their risk. Kidney cancer symptoms in the later stages may include: blood urine, back pain, anemia, fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, etc. Call us at Affiliated Urologists today to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians!

Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or visit http://affiliatedurologists.com/contact/ for instructions on scheduling an appointment.

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material. 

New patients are always welcome.

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