Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the cells of the kidneys, which are located on either side of the spine in the back of the abdomen. In the UK, kidney cancer is the seventh most common cancer in men and the ninth most common in women. Here is some information about kidney cancer in the UK.
How common is Kidney Cancer?
According to Cancer Research UK, there were around 12,700 new cases of kidney cancer diagnosed in the UK in 2018. The incidence rate of kidney cancer has been steadily increasing over the past few decades, but survival rates have also improved.
What causes Kidney Cancer?
While the exact cause of kidney cancer is unknown, several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Here is some information about the risk factors for kidney cancer.
Smoking:
Smoking is a significant risk factor for kidney cancer. Smokers are at least twice as likely to develop kidney cancer as non-smokers. Furthermore, this risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking. According to Cancer Research UK, smoking is responsible for around one-third of kidney cancer cases in the UK.
Obesity:
Obesity is another significant risk factor for kidney cancer. People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing kidney cancer than those with a healthy weight. This may be due to the increased levels of certain hormones associated with obesity, which can promote the growth of cancer cells.
High blood pressure:
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common risk factor for kidney cancer. People with high blood pressure are at an increased risk of developing kidney cancer, possibly due to the increased stress on the kidneys.
Family history:
Having a close relative with kidney cancer increases your risk of developing the disease. In addition, if one of your parents, siblings, or children has had kidney cancer, your risk of developing the disease is higher. In some cases, a genetic mutation may be responsible for the increased risk.
Age and gender:
Kidney cancer is more common in men than in women. Men are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer as women. Additionally, the risk of kidney cancer increases with age, with the majority of cases being diagnosed in people over the age of 60.
Occupational exposure:
Exposure to certain chemicals and substances in the workplace may increase the risk of developing kidney cancer. These may include cadmium, a metal found in some batteries, paints, and plastics, and trichloroethylene, a solvent used in some industrial processes.
What are the signs and symptoms of Kidney Cancer?
The symptoms of kidney cancer in the can vary from person to person, and some people may not experience any symptoms. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, seeing your doctor to determine the cause is important.
Blood in the urine:
One of the most common symptoms of kidney cancer is blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or dark brown in colour. This symptom is known as haematuria and can occur intermittently or be persistent. However, it is important to note that blood in the urine can also be a symptom of other conditions, so it is important to see your GP to determine the underlying cause.
Pain:
Pain in the side or lower back is another common symptom of kidney cancer. The pain may be constant or intermittent and may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the affected area.
Fatigue:
Fatigue, or extreme tiredness, is a common symptom of kidney cancer. This may be due to the cancer itself or the body’s response to the disease.
Unexplained weight loss:
Unexplained weight loss is a symptom of many types of cancer, including kidney cancer. If you experience weight loss without trying, seeing your doctor to determine the underlying cause is important.
Fever:
A fever is a common symptom of kidney cancer, especially if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. If you experience persistent fever, seeing your GP to determine the underlying cause is important.
Swelling:
- Swelling in the legs or ankles can be a symptom of kidney cancer, especially if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other organs.
How is Kidney Cancer Diagnosed?
It is important to diagnose kidney cancer early to ensure prompt treatment and a better chance of successful outcomes. If you have symptoms that suggest kidney cancer, your doctor may order some tests to help make a diagnosis. These include:
Physical Exam.
The first step in diagnosing kidney cancer is a physical exam. The doctor will examine the abdomen for lumps or abnormalities and check for other signs and symptoms, such as high blood pressure or fever.
Imaging Tests
Imaging tests are used to create images of the kidneys and surrounding tissues. These tests can help identify the presence of a tumour and determine its size and location. The most common imaging tests used to diagnose kidney cancer include:
- Ultrasound: Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the kidneys
- CT scan: Uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding tissues
- MRI: Uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding tissues
Biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure in which a small tissue sample is removed from the kidney for examination under a microscope. This can help confirm the presence of cancer cells and determine the type and stage of kidney cancer.
Blood and Urine Tests
Blood and urine tests can help detect abnormalities that may be indicative of kidney cancer, such as high levels of certain proteins or blood in the urine.
Genetic Testing
In some cases, genetic testing may be recommended to identify genetic mutations or abnormalities that increase the risk of kidney cancer.
How is Kidney Cancer treated?
The treatment for kidney cancer depends on the cancer stage and other factors such as your age and overall health. Treatment options may include surgery to remove part or all of the affected kidney, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. Your urologist and oncologist will discuss the best treatment option for you.
Surgery
Surgery is the most common treatment for kidney cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tumour and any surrounding tissue that may contain cancer cells. In some cases, the entire kidney may need to be removed. This procedure is known as a radical nephrectomy and is usually performed via keyhole surgery (laparoscopic radical nephrectomy). In other cases, a partial nephrectomy may be performed to remove only the part of the kidney that contains the tumour.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams of radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used to treat kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or to relieve symptoms such as pain or bleeding.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of drug therapy that targets specific proteins or genes that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. These drugs may be used to treat advanced kidney cancer or to shrink tumours before surgery.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a type of drug therapy that helps the body’s immune system to fight cancer. These drugs may be used to treat advanced kidney cancer or to prevent the cancer from coming back after surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used to treat kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, but it is not typically used as a first-line treatment for kidney cancer.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments for kidney cancer. They may involve new drugs, new combinations of drugs, or new ways of using existing treatments.
What are the life expectancy and survival rates with Kidney Cancer? Is Kidney Cancer curable?
Survival rates for kidney cancer vary depending on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age, and overall health. The following statistics are based on data from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS) in the UK:
- Overall Survival Rates The five-year survival rate for kidney cancer in the UK is around 53%. This means that around 53% of people diagnosed with kidney cancer will still be alive five years after their diagnosis.
- Stage-Specific Survival Rates The survival rates for kidney cancer vary depending on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. The following are the five-year survival rates for kidney cancer based on the stage of the cancer:
- Stage 1: 81%
- Stage 2: 74%
- Stage 3: 53%
- Stage 4: 8%
- Age-Specific Survival Rates Survival rates for kidney cancer also vary depending on the patient’s age. The following are the five-year survival rates for kidney cancer based on age:
- Under 40: 78%
- 40-59: 62%
- 60-79: 45%
- Over 80: 27%
It is important to note that survival rates are just one factor to consider when it comes to kidney cancer. Other factors, such as the patient’s overall health and response to treatment, can also play a role in their prognosis.
Can Kidney Cancer be prevented?
You can lower your risk of kidney cancer by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. Additionally, if you have a family history of kidney cancer, you may need regular screenings to detect any signs of the disease early.
In conclusion, kidney cancer is a relatively common cancer in the UK, but early detection and treatment can lead to a good prognosis. It is important to be aware of kidney cancer’s risk factors and symptoms and seek medical attention if you have any concerns.
Author: Mr Neil A Haldar MBBS MD FRCS
Consultant Urological Surgeon
The Pelvic Specialist