Kidney cancer

You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.

The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team will be able to give you information on local support services that you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about kidney cancer.

Information and support for anyone affected by kidney cancer.

• Website: https://www.kcuk.org.uk/
• Helpline: 0800 002 9002
• Kidney Cancer UK: Talk to a nurse service
• Kidney Cancer UK: online community

A charity for anyone affected by cancer that offers online and telephone support.

• Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
• Macmillan Cancer Support: support line service
• Macmillan Cancer Support: online forum
• Macmillan Cancer Support: find local support services

A charity that provides information about cancer, plus online support and information about clinical trials.

• Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
• Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
• Cancer Research UK: ask a nurse service
• Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
• Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial service

Practical, emotional and social support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: https://www.maggies.org/
• Helpline: 0300 123 1801
• Maggie's centres
• Maggie's support groups

Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.

• Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
• Helpline: 0800 090 2309
• Marie Curie: support services

If your GP refers you to a specialist because they think you could have kidney cancer, you’ll usually have some tests and scans.

These may include:

• an ultrasound scan
• a CT scan
• a cystoscopy – a camera is passed through the tube that carries pees out of your body (urethra) to look inside your bladder
• using a needle to collect a small sample of cells from 1 of your kidneys (biopsy) for testing

Anyone can get kidney cancer, but some things can increase your chances of getting it.

You may be more likely to get it if you:

• have a close relative with kidney cancer
• smoke
• are overweight or living with obesity
• have high blood pressure
• have certain inherited genetic conditions, such as tuberous sclerosis
• are having long-term dialysis for chronic kidney disease

You cannot always prevent kidney cancer. But making healthy changes can lower your chances of getting it.

• try to lose weight if you're overweight

• quit smoking

• make lifestyle changes if you have high blood pressure, such as cutting back on salt, alcohol and caffeine

The treatment you have for kidney cancer will depend on:

• the type of kidney cancer you have
• where it is and how big it is
• if it has spread
• your general health

Treatment may include surgery, cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, targeted medicines, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

• explain the treatments, benefits and any side effects
• work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
• help you manage any side effects

Often there are no obvious symptoms of kidney cancer. It’s usually diagnosed when testing for something else.

When there are symptoms, they can include:

• blood in your pee
• a lump or swelling in your back, under your ribs, or in your neck
• pain between your ribs and waist that does not go away
• loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
• feeling tired or having no energy
• a high temperature that does not go away
• sweating a lot, including at night