Dr. Ni Zhaohui from Renji Hospital gives a lecture on women's kidney disease today, World Kidney Day.

About 10.8 percent of the adult Chinese population — or 130 million people — suffer chronic kidney disease, experts said on Thursday, World Kidney Day and the start of Shanghai Kidney Disease Week.

The rate among women is higher than men due to hormones and pregnancy, and this year's theme is women's health.

Thursday is also International Women's Day.

“Kidney disease is called a silent killer because it has no symptoms in the early stage and is easily neglected by patients, who are often only diagnosed in the middle or terminal stages,” said Dr. Ni Zhaohui from Renji Hospital.

“In addition to ordinary risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and tumors, women have more chances to have kidney disease due to female hormone and pregnancy, which raises the risks.

“Women with kidney disease must consult doctors on pregnancy before starting their family planning in order to protect the health and safety of both mother and baby."

Experts say kidney disease is easy to detect with simple checks of urine or an ultrasound.

Early detection is the key to early treatment and a better survival rate.