Kidney cancer Matepukupuku tākihi
Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs about the size of your fist. They sit just below your rib cage, one on each side of your spine. Kidney cancer (renal cancer) happens when the cells in the kidney become abnormal and grow into a tumour.
Causes of kidney cancer
We do not know what causes most kidney cancer. There are a few things that may increase your risk, such as:
- getting older — it is most common in people aged over 65
- smoking
- high blood pressure
- being a very unhealthy weight
- being male
- family history of kidney cancer
- some rare genetic disorders
- exposure to certain chemicals, such as cadmium.
Symptoms of kidney cancer
Kidney cancer often has no symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they can include:
- losing weight without trying
- blood in your wee (haematuria)
- being tired and weak (fatigue)
- fever not caused by cold or flu
- dark, rusty or brown coloured wee
- needing to wee more often
- ongoing pain or dull ache in your side or lower back.
You should always see your healthcare provider if you have blood in your wee (haematuria).
Diagnosing kidney cancer
If your healthcare provider thinks you might have kidney cancer, they will examine you for any lumps or swelling and ask you questions about your general health.
They might arrange:
- a blood test to measure how well your kidneys are working
- a test of your wee (urine test) to check for an infection or any blood in your wee
- an ultrasound or CT scan of your kidneys
- a biopsy, where a small sample of cells is taken from the suspicious area of your kidney.
Sometimes urine tests or scans done for something else pick up kidney cancer.
Treating kidney cancer
Kidney cancer can often be cured if caught early.
Treatment for kidney cancer can vary. It could include:
- monitoring small cancers that are unlikely to cause any problems
- surgery
- radiotherapy
- immunotherapy.
Self care when you have cancer
It is important to take care of yourself when you have cancer. Try to:
- eat as well as you can
- get regular physical activity
- get plenty of sleep
- talk to the people who care about you
- accept or ask for help when you need it.
Cancer support
Once someone has been diagnosed with cancer, we know there are some difficult days ahead. No matter where you are on the cancer pathway, there is always someone to connect with for support.
There are local services available to help make things easier for you and your whānau.
Support we offer — Cancer Society
There are a number of benefits of belonging to a support group.