The kidneys are two vital, bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdomen, on either side of the spine. Although small in size, these organs play a significant role in maintaining the body’s overall health. Each kidney is roughly the size of a fist and is responsible for performing a variety of functions that are essential to survival.

The kidneys perform numerous critical functions to maintain the body’s homeostasis. These include:

• Filtration of the blood.
• Regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance
• Acid base balance
• Blood pressure regulation
• Erythropoiesis regulation
• Detoxification
• Calcium and phosphate balance

The kidneys can become damaged or diseased, which can have a significant impact on a person’s health. Several conditions may affect kidney function, some of which may lead to kidney failure if left untreated.

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
• Kidney stones
• Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Maintaining kidney health is essential for overall well-being. Some ways of helping with keeping kidney function optimal include:

• Stay hydrated
• Healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
• Control blood pressure and blood sugar
• Regular check ups

Early detection is key to preventing the progression of kidney disease. The kidneys can often compensate for lost function for a long time, so symptoms may not appear until significant damage has already occurred. Regular check ups and screening, especially those at high risk, can help catch kidney disease in its early stages when treatment is most effective.

March is a month which raises awareness for kidneys, including kidney cancer awareness.

Kidney cancer occurs when cells in the kidneys grow abnormally. It is the third most common genitourinary cancer in adults.

Symptoms of kidney cancer can include blood in the urine that is pink or rust coloured, pain in the side that does not go away, night sweats, unexplained weight loss and feeling very tired.

Risk factors for kidney cancer include tobacco use, obesity, other health problems and environmental factor.

Kidney cancer can be hard to diagnosis because it does not always have clear symptoms in its early stages. However, it can be diagnosed using a combination of tests, including imaging scans, blood and urine tests and biopsies. Further tests that may be used to diagnose kidney cancer include, cystoscopy, radioisotope bone scan and PET scan.

World Kidney day takes place on 13 March 2025. This is a global event that aims to raise awareness about the importance of kidney health and to promote the prevention and early detection of kidney disease. Celebrated annually, World Kidney Day draws attention to the critical role kidneys play in maintaining overall health and urges individuals to take proactive measures to protect these vital organs.

 

Each year World Kidney Day adopts a specific theme to focus on a particular aspect of kidney health. The 2025 theme is “Kidney Health for All” emphasising the need for equitable access to healthcare, education and resources to ensure that everyone, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location, has the opportunity to prevent and manage kidney disease.

The goals of World Kidney Day include:

• Raising awareness
• Promoting prevention
• Supporting kidney disease management
• Encouraging research and innovation

If you would like to celebrate World Kidney Day or see the amazing work done to raise awareness, you can visit www.worldkidneyday.org for more information.

You can also use the hashtag #AreYourKidneysOK to raise awareness about the importance of knowing the risk factors for kidney disease and the need for regular testing for high-risk populations.