National Kidney Month – Take Charge of Your Kidney Health

March is National Kidney Month, a time to take charge of your kidney health.

What do the kidneys do? The kidneys filter all the body’s blood up to 25 times a day and are about the size of a fist. As a filter, the kidneys clean our blood, balance fluids, maintain electrolyte levels and remove waste. The kidneys also make hormones that help to keep blood pressure stable, make red blood cells and help keep bones strong.

"Your kidneys are silent warriors, filtering waste and balancing fluids without fanfare. While kidney stones often grab the spotlight, remember other urologic threats lurk. Kidney health deserves equal awareness,” said Dr. Timothy Averch, chair of the Urology Care Foundation’s Kidney and Adrenal Health Committee. “Take in adequate water and don't ignore risk factors like smoking, diabetes, or high blood pressure. If you have had an x-ray test that identified a mass in your kidney, see a urologist for a plan of action. Empower your kidneys with proactive care and live healthier, longer!"

Here are some things to know about kidney cancer and kidney stones.

Kidney Cancer

• There will be about 81,000+ new kidney cancer cases and over 14,000 cancer deaths in the U.S. in 2024.
• Symptoms include blood in urine, pain between the ribs and hips, low back pain on one side that does not go away, loss of appetite and weight loss for no reason, a fever not caused by an infection and anemia.
• Risk factors include smoking, obesity/poor diet, family history of high blood pressure, being on kidney dialysis, workplace exposure to chlorinated chemicals, or family history of kidney cancer.
• Download our kidney cancer patient guide to learn more.

Kidney Stones

• Around 11% of men and 6% of women in the U.S. have had kidney stones at least once in their life.
• A kidney stone is formed when the urine has high levels of minerals and salts.
• Download our kidney stones patient guide to learn more.

For more details on kidney health, view our National Kidney Month Info Center.