Kidney (Renal) Cancer Screening
Know your risks for Kidney (Renal) Cancer
Ann Morrell RN, Health Writer 2/2025
Kidney cancer is increasing nationally. This is partially due to being discovered during testing for other diseases and advances in testing.
Kidney cancer is another name for Renal Cancer and is an abnormal growth of cells that starts in the kidneys. The symptoms are vague and can be ignored until later stages. In fact, sometimes kidney cancer is found during imaging for other reasons. This is good reason to visit your doctor annually if you have any change in health. Symptoms can include: pain in the side or back that doesn’t go away, no appetite, tiredness, unexplained weight loss and bloody or dark urine - these are all reasons to check with your doctor. Simple blood and urine tests can be the first level of screening and detection and can easily be done during a visit with your primary care provider.
Lowering your risk for many cancers includes maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a healthy diet and getting exercise. As with many cancers, age, smoking, being overweight, family history and high blood pressure increase risk for kidney cancer. But quitting smoking can decrease your risk. It is never too late to stop smoking or start walking.
There are several types of kidney cancer that affect both adults and children and if you are diagnosed, your provider will have information on that specific type.
Know your risk and screen early!
Know your risks for Kidney (Renal) Cancer
Ann Morrell RN, Health Writer 2/2025
Kidney cancer is increasing nationally. This is partially due to being discovered during testing for other diseases and advances in testing.
Kidney cancer is another name for Renal Cancer and is an abnormal growth of cells that starts in the kidneys. The symptoms are vague and can be ignored until later stages. In fact, sometimes kidney cancer is found during imaging for other reasons. This is good reason to visit your doctor annually if you have any change in health. Symptoms can include: pain in the side or back that doesn’t go away, no appetite, tiredness, unexplained weight loss and bloody or dark urine - these are all reasons to check with your doctor. Simple blood and urine tests can be the first level of screening and detection and can easily be done during a visit with your primary care provider.
Lowering your risk for many cancers includes maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, eating a healthy diet and getting exercise. As with many cancers, age, smoking, being overweight, family history and high blood pressure increase risk for kidney cancer. But quitting smoking can decrease your risk. It is never too late to stop smoking or start walking.
There are several types of kidney cancer that affect both adults and children and if you are diagnosed, your provider will have information on that specific type.
Know your risk and screen early!