Kidney or renal cell cancer is a serious and often life-threatening disease. Kidney cancer can affect adults and children in many different ways.
Approximately 10-15% of kidney tumors occur in children. Most of the time, these cancerous tumors have already spread to other body parts at diagnosis.
Most kidney tumors occur in adults who are over the age of 40. Risk factors for kidney cancer include smoking, obesity, prolonged use of medications such as painkillers, and having a family history of the disease.
Common symptoms of kidney cancer include fatigue, bloody urine, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, and pain in the lower back or side.
Kidney cancer can spread to other organs if left untreated, making treatment much more difficult. Catching cancer in its early stages is important for a positive outcome.
Treatment for kidney cancer may include one or a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or targeted therapy.
After successful treatment, people with kidney cancer may still experience long-term side effects such as pain or fatigue due to cancer or its treatment.
People with kidney cancer may also need to take special precautions to keep their kidney functioning. This includes limiting salt and fluid intake, limiting exercise, and sometimes taking specific medications.
People with kidney cancer may also need to follow a special diet to help restore their nutrition and help the kidneys heal.
Support groups and counselors can be great resources of emotional support for people with kidney cancer and their families.
Research is ongoing for new treatments for kidney cancer. From immunotherapy to the latest targeted and personalized therapies, there is new hope for those affected by this life-threatening disease.
