Newly Diagnosed with Kidney Cancer?
Understanding Kidney Cancer
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, it’s important to gather as much information as possible to navigate your cancer journey effectively. At American Cancer Fund, our goal is to provide you with essential knowledge about kidney cancer such as symptoms, risk factors, and the latest research advancements to help you become an active participant in your care.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the risk of developing kidney cancer. These include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, family history of kidney cancer, and long-term dialysis. Certain inherited conditions, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease, can also increase risk. Men are about twice as likely as women to develop kidney cancer, and the disease is most commonly diagnosed in people over age 60.
Diagnosis
Kidney cancer is often found incidentally during imaging tests for other conditions. When kidney cancer is suspected, doctors may use CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, or a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests and urine tests can also help identify abnormalities. Staging determines how far the cancer has spread and guides treatment decisions.
Treatment Options
Treatment for kidney cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include surgery (partial or radical nephrectomy), targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and in some cases, radiation therapy. For early-stage kidney cancer, surgery is often the primary treatment. Advanced or metastatic kidney cancer may be treated with a combination of targeted drugs and immunotherapy. Your oncologist can help determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation.
Related Cancer Types
Learn more about other cancer types on our website:
- Bladder Cancer — another urinary system cancer often linked to similar risk factors
- Prostate Cancer — the most common cancer in men
- Liver Cancer — like kidney cancer, sometimes found during imaging for other conditions
- Lung Cancer — a common site for kidney cancer metastasis
- Childhood Cancer — Wilms tumor, a type of kidney cancer, primarily affects children
Visit our complete list of cancer types for information on all forms of cancer, or explore our Cancer 101 section for general cancer education resources.
Feel prepared for every appointment
Carrying the right information can empower you during your cancer care journey. Use these tools to help organize this information so you can be an active participant in your cancer care.
Keep them handy for use at home and bring them along to your doctor visits and other medical appointments.
#KnowCancer Tip
Update your information and checklist after each appointment to keep track of your progress and prepare for your next visit. Being organized is a key step in navigating your cancer care with confidence.
Essentials Checklist
- Important Contacts: Include your healthcare team’s phone numbers and email addresses.
- Health and Treatment History: A brief summary of your diagnosis, treatment plans, and any past procedures or surgeries.
- Copies of Reports: Bring recent blood tests, pathology reports, and any other relevant medical records.
- Calendar: Your schedule of upcoming appointments, treatments, and tests.
- Progress Notes: Observations about your symptoms, side effects, and any changes in your condition.
- Questions: A list of questions or concerns you have for your healthcare provider. Don’t hesitate to ask anything that’s on your mind.
- Insurance Information: Your insurance card and any necessary authorization forms or documents.