Dr. Allen M. Chernoff, FACS Powered by ZocDoc Doctor Directory

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer develops most often in people over 40, but no one knows the exact causes of this disease. Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop kidney cancer.

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Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the United States. Although progress has meant that survival rates are improving, instances of the disease have actually increased over past decades.

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Prostate Cancer

This year in the United States, almost 180,000 men will be told that they have prostate cancer. After such a diagnosis, a man and his family face several choices regarding treatment; making decisions involving many personal as well as medical factors.

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da Vinci®

The da Vinci® System provides breakthrough capabilities that allow surgeons to perform complex procedures with greater precision through tiny incisions.

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The Disease

Kidney cancer develops most often in people over 40, but no one knows the exact causes of this disease. Doctors can seldom explain why one person develops kidney cancer and another does not. However, it is clear that kidney cancer is not contagious. No one can “catch” the disease from another person.

Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop kidney cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a disease.

Studies have found the following risk factors for kidney cancer:

Most people who have these risk factors do not get kidney cancer. On the other hand, most people who do get the disease have no known risk factors. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this concern with their doctor. The doctor may be able to suggest ways to reduce the risk and can plan an appropriate schedule for checkups.

My Take

We all know that we should be fit and that we shouldn’t smoke. Because you may have kidney issues, these directives are no longer just good ideas. They will directly affect the outcome of your treatment, the length of your recuperation and, perhaps, the quality of your life. So here is my take: If you smoke, then stop. If you are overweight, then consult your primary care physician, layout out and stick to a weight loss plan. While you’re there, discuss your blood pressure. If it’s high, begin to do something about it. Do it for yourself; and do it for those family members and friends on whom you will be counting during this process. Show them that you are doing your part.


Definition: (yoor-uh-LAHJ-ik on-KOL-o-jist) A doctor who specializes in treating cancers of the sexual and urinary system.