Guwahati, March 28: After throat and mouth cancer, kidney cancer is gaining a foothold in the Northeast.

"I encounter five to six new cases of kidney cancer every month where the patients get admitted to hospital only in the advanced stages. This is caused because of lack of awareness. The most significant symptom of kidney cancer is spotting blood in urine," C. Bhuyan, senior oncologist at B. Borooah Cancer Institute, told The Telegraph.

The disease is predominantly found among male patients and 90 per cent of them are in the 40-50 age group. Bhuyan said consumption of tobacco is the main factor behind kidney cancer.

Assam has the highest number of patients with cancer of the oesophagus, pharynx (or throat), larynx and gall bladder in the country with betel nut and tobacco chewing being the major contributors. #According to Bhuyan, men are twice more vulnerable than women because they smoke and are more exposed to cancer-causing chemicals at work.

"Some common symptoms of kidney cancer include blood in urine, formation of a lump in the abdomen, constant pain in the flank, fever, weight loss and fatigue," he said. Unfortunately, the main cause of kidney cancer is still unknown and it may not be preventable. But certain precautions can be taken to reduce risk like maintaining a healthy diet - high percentage of fruits and vegetables - and proper exercise, he said.

A few early tests can help identify kidney cancer like physical examination, urine and blood test, biopsy of the kidney tissue, ultra sound, CT and MRI scan and surgical removal of kidney tissues.

"March is the kidney cancer awareness month with a pledge worldwide to fight cancer," Bhuyan said.