CEBU CITY — Your kidneys work quietly every day, filtering waste from the blood, helping regulate fluids and supporting several essential functions in the body. Yet kidney problems can develop gradually, sometimes without obvious warning signs.
That is why protecting kidney health is not only about treating kidney disease when it appears. It also means paying attention to everyday habits and controlling conditions that can put the kidneys at risk.
During the 8th Cebu Cancer Fair held on Aug. 29, 2026, at Oakridge Pavilion in Mandaue City, internist-nephrologist and breast cancer survivor Dr. Angelica Kuizon, in partnership with the Philippine Society of Medical Oncology, discussed why kidney health deserves particular attention during cancer care.
Drawing from the points presented at the event, here are eight practical rules for keeping the kidneys healthier—during cancer treatment and beyond.
1. Stay fit and physically active
Regular physical activity can help control body weight, blood pressure and blood sugar—all factors closely linked to kidney health.
For generally healthy adults, around 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week is a commonly recommended target.
However, people undergoing cancer treatment may have different physical limitations depending on their condition, treatment and recovery. Exercise plans should therefore be adjusted with guidance from a healthcare professional when necessary.
2. Eat a healthier diet
What you eat can have a long-term effect on your kidneys.
A balanced diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains and appropriate sources of lean protein can support overall health. Limiting excessive salt, added sugar, unhealthy fats and highly processed foods can also help reduce some of the conditions that contribute to kidney damage.
Keeping a healthy weight is another important part of kidney protection.
For people with cancer, however, nutritional needs can be more complicated. Some treatments can affect appetite, digestion and nutritional requirements, so major dietary changes should be discussed with the patient’s healthcare team.
3. Keep blood sugar under control
Diabetes is one of the major risk factors for chronic kidney disease.
Persistently elevated blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels and filtering structures in the kidneys over time. Keeping blood glucose within the recommended range can help reduce the risk of long-term complications.
People with diabetes should follow their doctor’s recommendations for monitoring, medication, diet and physical activity.
4. Monitor your blood pressure
High blood pressure can silently damage the kidneys over many years.
Because hypertension may not produce noticeable symptoms, regular blood-pressure checks are important—even for people who feel healthy.
If blood pressure is consistently elevated, appropriate treatment may include lifestyle changes, medication or a combination of both, depending on a person’s condition.
Controlling blood pressure is therefore not only important for the heart and brain; it is also an important part of protecting kidney function.
5. Get the right amount of fluids
Adequate hydration supports normal kidney function, but there is no single amount of water that is appropriate for everyone.
SunStar’s report, citing Dr. Kuizon’s presentation, notes that around two liters, or roughly eight cups, per day can serve as a general guide for healthy adults. But fluid requirements can change depending on a person’s activity level, climate and medical condition.
For people with kidney disease, heart problems or certain cancer-treatment requirements, drinking excessive amounts of fluid may not be appropriate.
The goal is not simply to drink as much water as possible. It is to maintain an appropriate fluid balance for your individual health needs.
6. Don’t smoke
Smoking is harmful to blood vessels and can reduce healthy blood flow throughout the body, including to the kidneys.
Avoiding tobacco—or quitting if you smoke—can therefore benefit kidney health as well as cardiovascular and overall health.
The World Kidney Day’s kidney-prevention guidance also identifies avoiding nicotine as one of the key measures for protecting kidney health.
7. Be careful with painkillers and other medicines
Some medicines can affect kidney function, particularly when they are taken frequently, at high doses or by people who already have kidney problems.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, can increase the risk of kidney injury in certain circumstances, particularly among people who are dehydrated or already have reduced kidney function.
That does not mean people should automatically stop prescribed medicines or avoid all painkillers.
Instead, people who regularly use pain medication, supplements or other over-the-counter products should ask a doctor or pharmacist whether they are appropriate for them.
8. Get your kidneys checked if you’re at risk
One of the biggest challenges with kidney disease is that it may develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages.
That makes screening particularly important for people with known risk factors.
These can include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- A family history of kidney disease
- Previous kidney problems
- Other conditions or medications that may affect kidney function
Common assessments can include a blood test for creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as well as urine testing to look for abnormalities such as protein.
Why kidney health matters during cancer treatment
Kidney protection becomes particularly important for some cancer patients because both the disease and its treatment can affect kidney function.
Certain chemotherapy drugs, including cisplatin, carboplatin and high-dose methotrexate, can cause kidney injury. Some immunotherapies may trigger inflammation affecting the kidneys, while radiation involving areas near the kidneys can also pose risks.
Cancer itself can sometimes interfere with kidney function. Tumors may obstruct the urinary tract, while complications such as tumor lysis syndrome can release large amounts of cellular material into the bloodstream. Some cancers can also lead to elevated calcium levels or abnormal proteins that place additional stress on the kidneys.
Because of these risks, doctors may monitor kidney function before and during certain cancer treatments.
Small habits, bigger protection
The eight kidney-health rules are simple, but their impact can be significant when practiced consistently.
Staying active, eating well, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, maintaining appropriate hydration, avoiding smoking, using medicines responsibly and getting tested when risk factors are present can all form part of a kidney-protection strategy.
The bigger lesson is that kidney health should not be an afterthought.
Many kidney problems are associated with conditions and lifestyle factors that can be identified and managed early. Regular health checks and timely medical advice can help detect problems before they become more serious.
For people undergoing cancer treatment, kidney health deserves even closer attention because maintaining kidney function can be an important part of receiving treatment safely.
Your kidneys may work quietly—but taking care of them should never be an afterthought.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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