KIDNEY cancer rates have increased by 41 per cent in the South East over the last decade.

Around 1,400 people are diagnosed with the cancer every year in the region, with men being diagnosed almost twice as often as women.

A national cancer charity is labelling obesity as a leading factor.

New figures from Cancer Research UK show that by 2035, kidney cancer is set to be one of the fastest-growing cancers.

An estimated 20,000 kidney cancer cases have been caused by obesity over the last decade in England, according to the charity.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK spokesperson, said: “It can be challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle but just making a few small changes can have a real impact.”

Research shows that obesity is linked to 13 types of cancer including kidney cancer, with scientists yet to unravel exactly how being overweight causes kidney cancer.

Cancer Research UK say being more active is therefore a vital factor in reducing the risk.

The charity’s Race for Life is a women-only series of 5k, 10k and marathon events which raise millions every year.

Ms Makin said: “Signing up to take part in Race for Life is a great way for women to commit to get a little more active. Race for Life events are non-competitive and participants can choose to walk, jog or run.

“Money raised will help Cancer Research UK scientists find new ways to treat cancer and save more lives.”

Every year, 4,300 people die from kidney cancer.

Dr Julie Sharp, the charity’s head of health information said: “It’s concerning to see kidney cancer cases rising like this. Being overweight or obese is linked to 13 types of cancer.

“Similar to smoking, where damage to cells builds up over time and increases the risk of cancer, damage from carrying excess weight accumulates over a person’s lifetime.

“Making small changes in eating, drinking and being physically active that you can stick with in the long term is a good way to get to a healthy weight.”