A Common Cancer
Cancer of the kidney is among the most common of cancers. Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located behind your abdominal organs, with one kidney on each side of your spine. Kidney cancer begins in the lining of the small tubes in the kidneys, known as tubules and is also known as renal adenocarcinoma.
Federal health authorities estimated there would more than 81,000 new diagnoses of kidney cancer during 2024 and more than 14,000 deaths. Smoking and misuse of certain pain medications, including over-the-counter types, can affect the risk of renal cell cancer. Among other risks are obesity, high blood pressure, certain genetic syndromes, or family history of kidney cancer. The risk increases with age.
Most Common Kinds
In adults, renal cell carcinoma is the most common kind of kidney cancer. Young children are more likely to develop a type called Wilms’ tumor. Kidney cancer diagnoses seem to be increasing, and one reason for this may be the increased use of imaging techniques, such as CT scans that may be leading to the discovery of more kidney cancers.
While there usually aren’t signs or symptoms in its early stages, over time these may develop. Among the symptoms are blood in your urine (which may appear pink or red), persistent pain in your back or side, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, or tiredness. If you have any signs that are troubling you, make an appointment with your doctor.
Talk with Your Doctor
March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. Go get checked. Talk with your primary care provider about cancer screenings. Also, if you have a loved one or friend who is suffering from kidney cancer, consider organizing an event or fundraiser to help attack this dreaded disease.
You may also want to consider donating to our Good Samaritan Cancer Fund, which helps patients who are struggling to pay for their medication, transportation to appointments, hotel stays for long visits, and other costs. You can also be a part of our annual fundraiser Path to the Cure.
