Kidney Cancer: The Signs We Should Not Ignore
When we talk about cancer, one of the biggest challenges we face as doctors is that some cancers can remain silent for a considerable period of time. Kidney cancer is one such cancer.
In my clinical experience, I have seen how easy it can be for people to dismiss certain symptoms as something minor. A little blood in the urine, occasional pain in the back or side, unexplained tiredness or weight loss may not always feel serious. But when such symptoms are persistent or unusual, they deserve attention.
Kidney cancer, particularly renal cell carcinoma, may not produce obvious symptoms in its early stages. In fact, many kidney cancers are discovered incidentally during imaging performed for another health concern.
That is why my message to patients is simple: don’t ignore the signs, and don’t delay getting them evaluated.
What symptoms should you watch for?
Some of the symptoms that can occur with kidney cancer include:
- Blood in the urine
- Persistent pain in the side or lower back
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- A lump or swelling in the abdomen or side
- Anaemia or other unexplained changes in health
Importantly, having any of these symptoms does not mean that you have cancer. Blood in the urine, for example, can occur because of infections, kidney stones and several other conditions. The important thing is to find out the reason rather than simply ignoring it.
Who may be at greater risk?
There are certain factors that can increase the risk of kidney cancer. These include smoking, excess body weight, high blood pressure and a family history of kidney cancer. Certain inherited conditions can also increase the risk.
Having a risk factor does not mean that a person will definitely develop cancer. Similarly, kidney cancer can occur in people who do not have any obvious risk factors.
This is one reason why we should focus not only on risk factors, but also on paying attention to changes in our health.
Early detection can make a difference
One common misconception is that every cancer will cause significant pain or obvious symptoms at an early stage. Unfortunately, that is not always true.
Kidney tumours can sometimes grow without causing noticeable symptoms. Because the kidneys are located deep inside the body, smaller tumours may not be detectable through a routine physical examination.
There is currently no routine screening test recommended for kidney cancer in people at average risk. However, when symptoms or other clinical concerns are present, doctors may recommend appropriate investigations such as blood and urine tests and imaging of the kidneys and abdomen.
If a person has a significant family history or certain inherited conditions associated with kidney cancer, the approach can be different and regular medical monitoring may be advised.
What can you do?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent kidney cancer. But there are sensible steps we can take to improve our overall health and potentially reduce some of the associated risks.
If you smoke, quitting is an important step. Maintaining a healthy body weight, staying physically active, managing blood pressure and avoiding unnecessary exposure to harmful substances are also worthwhile.
Most importantly, listen to your body.
If you notice blood in your urine, persistent side or back pain, unexplained weight loss, prolonged fatigue or another unusual change, please don’t wait for the symptoms to become severe before seeking medical advice.
As an oncologist, I believe that awareness is one of our strongest tools against cancer. We cannot control every risk, and we cannot prevent every cancer. But we can recognize warning signs, seek medical advice in time and make informed decisions about our health.
Don’t ignore the signs. Get checked. Stay safe.
This article is intended for general health awareness and does not replace an individual consultation with a qualified doctor. If you have symptoms or concerns, please consult an appropriate medical professional for personalized evaluation.
Dr. SK Haidar Ali
MBBS, MD (Radiation Oncology)
Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist
