Date: June 20
Healthy Kidneys. Informed Choices. Stronger Lives.
Kidney cancer is silent—but awareness can give it a voice. Early detection saves lives.
Why This Day Matters
- Over 430,000 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer globally each year
- It ranks among the top 10 most common cancers
- Men are twice as likely to be affected as women
- Early-stage kidney cancer often has no symptoms
- With timely diagnosis, 5-year survival rates can be above 70%
Silent Yet Serious: Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Kidney cancer is often discovered incidentally, but watch out for:
- Blood in urine (even if occasional)
- Persistent back or side pain (not caused by injury)
- Lump or swelling in the kidney area
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing fatigue or fever
- Loss of appetite and anemia
Know Your Risk Factors
You’re at greater risk if:
- You’re over 50 years of age
- You smoke or use tobacco products
- You have high blood pressure or obesity
- You have a family history of kidney disease or cancer
- You have been exposed to toxic chemicals (e.g. cadmium, asbestos)
- You’ve had long-term dialysis
Preventive Actions You Can Take
Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference:
- Drink enough water daily to keep kidneys healthy
- Avoid prolonged use of painkillers (NSAIDs) without medical advice
- Quit smoking – tobacco use doubles the risk
- Maintain a healthy weight with regular exercise
- Monitor and manage high blood pressure and diabetes
- Go for regular health check-ups, especially if you’re high-risk
How Kidney Cancer is Diagnosed
Doctors may use the following for diagnosis:
- Ultrasound or CT scan of the abdomen
- Blood and urine tests to check kidney function
- Biopsy in some cases
- MRI scans for deeper insight into tumor growth
Treatment Options
Depending on the stage and type:
- Surgical removal (partial or complete nephrectomy)
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy, especially for palliative care
- Active surveillance in early or slow-growing cases
Support Matters: How You Can Help
- Raise awareness by sharing facts on social media
- Support patients by listening, helping with tasks, or joining support groups
- Donate to kidney cancer research foundations
- Encourage screenings in your community or workplace
What You Can Do Today
- Schedule a kidney health check-up
- Share one fact about kidney cancer with your loved ones
- Join a virtual awareness event or walk
- Pledge to adopt one kidney-friendly habit
- Follow a healthy, balanced diet
Your Awareness = Someone’s Lifeline
Every conversation can lead to early detection.
Every check-up can prevent a crisis.
Every step you take matters.
This World Kidney Cancer Day, don’t just scroll—act.
Because someone, somewhere needs your awareness to survive.