Dolph Lundgren’s Journey: What His Kidney Cancer Experience Teaches Us About Lifelong Kidney Health

By: Krysten Brenlla and Adela Mattiazzi, MD

When Dolph Lundgren shared a health update after his kidney cancer diagnosis, many were inspired by how he pivoted into a healthier way of living. But, as we age, we may have questions on how to better care for our kidneys, what symptoms to look out for, and when to seek care from a specialist.

How Kidneys Work and What Helps Keep Them Healthy

The kidneys filter your blood, remove waste and excess fluid, help control blood pressure, contribute to producing red blood cells, regulate minerals and salt, and maintain electrolyte balance. When cancer affects the kidney (or when kidney disease takes hold), some of these functions can be impacted.

The good news: many kidney diseases can be prevented or slowed by healthy lifestyle choices.

• Control blood pressure and blood sugar. High blood pressure and diabetes are among the top causes of chronic kidney disease. Keeping them well-managed is crucial. Aim for a normal blood pressure (around 120/80) and healthy blood sugar levels so you don’t put extra stress on your kidneys.
• Maintain a balanced diet. Eating less salt and sugar, eating fruits, vegetables, and high-quality proteins (such as fish or lean poultry) can help reduce kidney strain. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated throughout the day is also important.
• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight. Exercise helps with blood pressure control and overall heart health, which, in turn, supports kidney function. Obesity increases risk.
• Avoid overuse of certain medications and toxins. Common pain relievers, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and high-dose aspirin can harm kidneys if used often or in high doses. While they’re safe for occasional use, taking them too often can strain your kidneys and can cause damage over time. It’s best to be cautious with these over-the-counter medications, and to limit exposure to toxins, such as excessive alcohol or smoking.
• Regular check-ups and labs. Kidney disease is often silent until it’s advanced. Routine blood tests and urine tests (for protein or blood) can catch early damage. Early detection equals better outcomes.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure: What to Look For

“Kidney disease is often invisible in its early stages. That’s why it’s so important to have regular check-ups, especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure,” said Adela Mattiazzi, MD, a transplant nephrologist and medical director of kidney transplant at Miami Transplant Institute. “We can do a lot to slow progression if we intervene early, but patients need to know the warning signs and not ignore changes in their body.”

While early-stage kidney disease has no obvious symptoms, there are warning signs that can appear once kidney function is damaged, such as:

• Noticeable swelling of the ankles, feet, hands, or around the eyes
• Changes in urination, such as increased or decreased frequency, especially at night; dark-colored urine; foamy or bubbly urine; or blood in urine
• Persistent fatigue, weakness, or trouble concentrating
• Nausea, vomiting, or poor appetite
• Skin changes; dry, itchy skin or rashes
• Shortness of breath, especially if associated with swelling or fluid buildup in the lungs or around the heart
• Muscle cramps, especially nighttime leg cramps

“If you have risk factors or symptoms, please don’t wait. It’s important that you see your doctor as soon as possible,” Dr. Mattiazzi said. “The sooner we evaluate your kidneys, the more options we have to protect their function and preserve your quality of life.”

Dolph Lundgren’s story reminds us how important it is to listen to our bodies and to be kinder to ourselves. Whether you’ve faced kidney cancer or simply want to preserve kidney health, the path starts with prevention, awareness, and partnering with knowledgeable doctors who can help you in your healthcare journey.

Image: Super Festivals from Ft. Lauderdale, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons