From the Guidelines
For your lab work, I strongly recommend fasting blood work given your family history of high cholesterol and kidney cancer, as it provides a more complete and accurate picture of your lipid profile, particularly for triglyceride levels and LDL cholesterol, as suggested by the American Heart Association 1. You should fast for 8-12 hours before your blood test, which means no food or drinks except water. This typically involves not eating or drinking anything except water after dinner the night before a morning appointment. Fasting is particularly important for accurate lipid panel results (cholesterol tests), as recent food consumption can temporarily elevate triglyceride levels and affect other cholesterol measurements, although total cholesterol levels can be measured at any time of day in nonfasting patients because levels of total cholesterol do not vary appreciably with eating 1. For kidney function tests, which would be relevant given your family history of kidney cancer, fasting is less critical but still preferred for consistency. Make sure to drink plenty of water before your test as staying hydrated makes blood collection easier. Continue taking any prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your doctor. When scheduling your appointment, try to book it for early morning to minimize your fasting period and discomfort. Let the lab technician know you've been fasting when you arrive for your blood draw. It's also worth noting that the 2019 ACC/AHA guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease suggests considering statin therapy if there's a family history of premature ASCVD and LDL-C ≥160 mg/dL, which may be relevant to your situation 1. Given your family history, it's crucial to discuss your risk factors and the results of your lab work with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your health.
From the Research
Family History and Blood Work
- Given your family history of high cholesterol and kidney cancer on your father's side, it is essential to consider the implications for your blood work.
- Studies have shown that statins, commonly prescribed to reduce plasma cholesterol levels, may have cancer-preventive properties in some solid tumors, including Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) 2.
- Additionally, research has highlighted the uniqueness of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), which accounts for up to 80% of all kidney cancers, and its characteristics, including the presence of lipid droplets in cells and the obesity paradox, are closely related to glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism 3.
Fasting or Non-Fasting Blood Work
- When considering whether to take a fasting or non-fasting blood test, it is crucial to understand the impact of cholesterol levels on kidney cancer.
- A study found that uptake of HDL-cholesterol contributes to lipid accumulation in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, suggesting that cholesterol levels may play a role in the development of the cancer 4.
- Another study revealed that preoperative serum cholesterol is an independent prognostic factor for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC), with lower levels being associated with worse survival 5.
Implications for Your Blood Work
- Given the potential link between cholesterol levels and kidney cancer, it may be beneficial to discuss your options with your doctor.
- Considering your family history, it is essential to monitor your cholesterol levels and discuss the implications of your blood work results with your doctor.
- The studies suggest that cholesterol levels may be an important factor in the development and progression of kidney cancer, and therefore, it is crucial to carefully consider your blood work options 2, 3, 4, 5.