March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

OncoDaily joins the global community in raising awareness about kidney cancer, a disease that affects thousands each year.

Kidney cancer is the 7th most common cancer in the United States, with an estimated 81,610 new diagnoses and 14,390 deaths in 2024, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

The most common type is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), accounting for about 90% of kidney cancers. While RCC typically develops as a single tumor in one kidney, in some cases, multiple tumors can form in one or both kidneys simultaneously.

Orange is the color that represents kidney cancer awareness. Wearing orange is a way to show support for those fighting kidney cancer and raise awareness about the importance of early detection, regular check-ups, and prevention. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference, starting conversations and reminding everyone how crucial it is to take care of our health.

Early detection saves lives!

Recognizing the symptoms of renal cancer and scheduling regular checkups can help diagnose the disease in its early stages, significantly improving treatment outcomes. The earlier kidney cancer is detected, the better the survival rate:

• 65.7% of kidney cancers are diagnosed at the local stage, with a 5-year survival rate of 93.3%
• Regional kidney cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 75.1%
• Distant kidney cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 18.2% (NCI)

Raising awareness can drive early detection, research advancements, and better outcomes for patients.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain unclear, but several well-established risk factors have been identified:

• Smoking – Increases RCC risk by 1.5 to 2 times, with heavier smokers at greater risk.
• Sex – Men are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop kidney cancer than women.
• Race – Higher incidence in Black individuals.
• Obesity – Excess body weight raises RCC risk by 1.5 to 2 times, likely due to metabolic and hormonal changes.
• Hypertension – High blood pressure increases RCC risk by 1.5 to 2 times.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) – RCC risk is 2 to 4 times higher, especially in dialysis patients.
• Occupational Exposures – Trichloroethylene, asbestos, and cadmium may contribute to RCC.
• Medications – Phenacetin-containing painkillers (banned in 1983) were linked to RCC.
• Genetics – Conditions like VHL disease and hereditary RCC syndromes account for 2-3% of cases.

Symptoms

Early-stage renal cancer is often asymptomatic and detected incidentally. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Hematuria (blood in urine) – Visible or microscopic, occurring in up to 60% of cases.
• Flank or abdominal pain – Dull, aching pain, especially in advanced tumors.
• Palpable mass – A lump in the abdomen detected during a physical exam.
• Unexplained weight loss – Often with loss of appetite.
• Fatigue and malaise – Persistent tiredness and weakness.
• Fever – Intermittent or persistent, linked to inflammation.
• Edema – Swelling in legs or abdomen due to vessel obstruction.
• Anemia – This can be the first sign, even without other symptoms.

These symptoms can also be linked to other conditions, so medical evaluation is crucial for diagnosis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of kidney cancer involves imaging studies like CT scans to assess tumor size and potential metastasis, with MRI used for detailed evaluation and ultrasound as an initial screening tool. A biopsy may be performed if imaging is inconclusive or to guide treatment decisions. Once RCC is diagnosed, further staging is necessary to determine the best treatment approach.

The treatment of kidney cancer depends on the cancer’s stage, type, subtype, and the patient’s health. Surgery options include partial nephrectomy for small tumors and radical nephrectomy for larger or advanced cases. Targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors are used for advanced RCC, while immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors and cytokine therapies, help boost the immune response. Radiation and ablative therapies, like cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation, may also be considered for certain cases. A multidisciplinary team tailors treatment plans to individual patients.

To gain more knowledge, read OncoDaily’s article Renal Cell Carcinoma in Adults: What Patients Should Know About.

Raising awareness about kidney cancer is crucial for early detection and prevention. By understanding risk factors, such as smoking and obesity, and promoting regular check-ups, we can catch the disease early when treatment is most effective. Early detection greatly improves survival rates, emphasizing the importance of awareness and proactive healthcare.

Around the world, numerous organizations, communities, and people are uniting to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. Here are some highlights from social media that showcase the enthusiasm and commitment driving the campaign:

KidneyCAN:

“7 years ago, Bryan Lewis was diagnosed with metastatic Kidney Cancer. He co-founded KidneyCAN to give kidney cancer patients, caregivers, and researchers the resources and funding they need to accelerate progress.”

National Cancer Institute:

“After Katie Coleman was diagnosed with a rare form of advanced Kidney Cancer in 2020, she received treatment through an NCI Clinical Trial. Today, she’s an author who raises awareness about rare kidney cancers.”

Society for Integrative Oncology:

“March is National Kidney Cancer Awareness Month! At SIO, our integrative oncology approach focuses on the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—through every step of the cancer journey. Join us in raising awareness about kidney cancer, promoting prevention, early detection, and comprehensive care. Together, we can shine a light on hope, resilience, and whole-person healing for all those affected by kidney cancer.”