About the Code

Anyone can develop CKD at any age. However, some people are at a higher risk than others. For many people, CKD is not caused by just one reason. Instead, it is a result of many physical, environmental, and social factors.
Early detection is important – CKD often begins without causing any noticeable symptoms. Knowing the risk factors can help you know your level of risk and if you should get checked for CKD.

The Kidney Health Code provides information and resources. Only your doctor can provide a diagnosis.

While drafting this Code, we used the European Code against Cancer as a source of inspiration. In existence for 50 years, the European Code against Cancer describes the risk factors for getting cancer and what preventive measures an individual can take. It offers compact, summarised information which is easy to translate, and provides a link to a scientific overview document per risk. The European Code against Cancer has become the reference for cancer risks.

There is a high degree of overlap between the European Kidney Health Code and the European Code against Cancer, as most risk factors are related to lifestyle. Both are chronic diseases associated with painful symptoms – manifesting too late – and intense treatments. Most people are not aware of the severeness of a kidney failure diagnosis. Kidney failure cannot be cured, however, while cancer can.