KIDNEY cancer deaths in the UK have soared 73 per cent since the 1970s, with 13 people losing their lives every day.
Despite advances in medicine, cases continue to rise, and are projected to increase further.
One of the biggest challenges? Most patients don’t know they have it until it’s too late.
Hazel Jackson, healthcare professional lead nurse, at Kidney Cancer UK, tells Sun Health: “Kidney cancer is often called a ‘silent disease’ because many people don’t notice anything wrong until it’s more advanced.
“That’s why spotting the early warning signs is so important.”
The charity’s latest report revealed four in five kidney cancer cases are spotted by accident.
More than half (55 per cent) are diagnosed while having a scan or test for an unrelated condition.
Another nine per cent are diagnosed following tests in A&E, eight per cent of patients find out after an unconnected GP visit, and 22 per cent receive their diagnosis following further testing.
Though many people experience symptoms, over 37 per cent of people have no signs of kidney cancer.
It means more than a quarter of those with the disease are only diagnosed once it’s progressed to a later stage.
Unfortunately, there is no easy test for kidney cancer, but knowing the signs to look out for is a great place to start.
Hazel says: “Symptoms are often vague – from back pain and chronic fatigue to recurring urine infections – meaning the warning signs are easy to miss.”
The five “key” signs to keep in mind are:
- Blood in your urine – even if it only happens once and doesn’t cause pain.
- A dull ache or pain in your side, back, or just below your ribs that lingers.
- Unexplained tiredness – the kind that doesn’t improve with rest and affects your daily life.
- Losing weight without trying, especially if it happens quickly.
- A lump or swelling in your side or abdomen.
“Of these, blood in your urine is often the biggest red flag,” Hazel says.
“It can show in different ways – from obvious deep red or brown urine to a faint pink tinge, tiny specks, or even blood only at the end of urination.
“Some people assume a small drop isn’t worth worrying about, but in essence, any blood in your urine is abnormal and should be checked immediately.
“It could be caused by something simple like a kidney stone or infection, but it can also be an early sign of kidney cancer. Never dismiss it.”
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that filter waste and excess fluid from your blood to make urine[/caption]
Another symptom people often overlook is recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs).
While a single infection is usually harmless and easy to treat, repeated UTIs can signal a deeper problem, Hazel says.
“They can feel like a burning sensation when peeing, a constant urge to go, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and sometimes back discomfort or fever,” she adds.
“Recurring infections can seriously affect your daily life, making it hard to work, sleep, or enjoy everyday activities.
“Though most UTIs are harmless, repeated infections can mask serious kidney problems, including, in rare cases, cancer.”
Other potential signs of kidney cancer include:
- Pain between your ribs and waist that does not go away
- Loss of appetite
- A high temperature
- Sweating a lot, including at night
- Generally feeling unwell
Hazel says: “Symptoms of kidney cancer can be vague and don’t always appear together.
“That’s why it’s vital to trust your instincts.
“If you notice blood in your urine, ongoing pain, or repeated infections, see your GP and push for checks.”
You know your body best, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry
Hazel Jackson
She adds: “We know that for some, accessing a GP can be difficult, and sometimes requests for tests or referrals can be delayed.
“Be persistent, clearly explain your symptoms, ask for your concerns to be taken seriously, and consider requesting a referral to a specialist if needed.
“Early diagnosis saves lives. Treatment is far more effective when cancer is caught early.
“Don’t dismiss changes in your body – acting quickly could make all the difference.
“As a nurse specialising in kidney cancer care, my advice is simple: if in doubt, get it checked.
“You know your body best, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”
James Whale died after long battle with kidney cancer
EX-CELEBRITY Big Brother star and radio host James Whale died last month at the age of 74.
The legendary broadcaster passed away “with a smile on his face” on August 4 after a long battle with cancer.
He was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000 and went on to have one of his kidneys removed.
In 2020, Whale, who founded the charity that went on to become Kidney Cancer UK, revealed that his disease had returned in his kidney, spine, brain and lungs and was now stage four.
He discussed initially noticing blood in his urine, which was caused by a large tumour on his left kidney.
Whale later experienced other symptoms once the cancer had spread, including forgetting names while on air.
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that filter waste and excess fluid from your blood to make urine, maintaining the body’s balance of water, salts, and minerals.
There are about 13,834 new kidney cancer cases every year in the UK.
Around 4,709 people lose their lives.
It has a 10-year survival rate of 56 per cent – about the same as bowel cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Scientists don’t know what causes most kidney cancers, but some factors make you more likely to get it than others.
For example, the disease is more common in older people – around 35 in 100 cases develop in those aged 75-plus.
Men are also more likely to develop kidney cancer than women.
Your weight also plays a role. Being overweight or obese causes around 25 per cent of cases, and the larger someone is, the higher their risk.
Like most cancers, smoking is also a risk factor, causing about 15 in 100 kidney cancer cases.
But the risk falls if you quit. And after a decade, it becomes nearly the same as those who have never smoked.
Other potential risk factors include: exposure to ionising radiation, chemicals at work, chronic kidney disease, kidney stones and inherited conditions such as Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome.
Cancer Research UK says you have a higher chance of kidney cancer if: you have a first degree relative with it, your have high blood pressure, you have thyroid cancer, you have type 1 diabetes, and you take painkillers like ibuprofen.
