Most Of Us Have Never Heard Of This 'Silent' Cancer – Here Are 4 Symptoms

People holding hands“Kidney cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the UK, yet it remains dangerously under-recognised,” Malcolm Packer, CEO of Kidney Cancer UK, tells me. He’s right. I had never heard of it, even though it’s the sixth most common cancer in the UK (per Cancer Research UK). A lack of awareness of and funding to combat the condition, which is often symptomless in its early stages, has “real consequences,” Packer adds. “Unlike some other cancers, there are no routine screening programmes and symptoms can be vague or easily dismissed,” the charity’s CEO says. “As a result, many people aren’t diagnosed until stage 2 or 3 – at which point treatment becomes more complex.” Mortality rates for kidney cancer have soared by 73% since the ’70s in the UK, and some recent data suggest an increase in diagnoses among those under 50.Still, Packer says, “Catching kidney cancer early can dramatically improve outcomes.” What are the symptoms of kidney cancer? Though kidney cancer symptoms can seem “mild or unrelated at first glance,” Packer urges us to take them seriously. “Here are the key symptoms to be aware of, listed in order of how commonly they appear,” he shared:1. Blood in the urine (even once)This is the most common and perhaps most telling early sign of kidney cancer. It may appear as an obvious pink, red or brownish staining in your urine – or a very small discolouration.Either way, it’s never something to ignore.2. Persistent pain in the side or lower backKidney cancer can sometimes cause a dull ache or persistent discomfort in the flank (the area on either side of your spine, just below the ribs).While back pain is common for many reasons, if it’s persistent and doesn’t have an obvious cause, it’s worth getting checked.3. A lump or swelling in the side (flank) areaA firm mass or swelling in your side could indicate a tumour in or near the kidney.This is more often picked up during scans for unrelated issues, but if you notice a lump yourself, particularly one that’s growing in size, it should be investigated urgently.4. Unexplained weight lossWhen weight loss is sudden and unexplained, particularly in combination with other symptoms, it could signal an underlying issue, like kidney cancer.Kidney cancer guidelines are expected in 2026 Packer tells us that most people in their 30s and 40s, who may be at increasing risk of kidney cancer, would never consider harmless-seeming symptoms like these as being something as serious as kidney cancer. But, the charity lead says, “This is why education and awareness campaigns are so essential – and why charities like Kidney Cancer UK have been long advocating for better guidelines and care pathways in the UK.”He adds, “In a major milestone, publication of the first-ever national guidelines for kidney cancer is anticipated in mid-2026 – a move that we hope will lead to swifter diagnoses, better support for patients, and more consistent standards of care for kidney cancer patients.” Until then, Packer shares, “By learning to spot the signs, listening to ourbodies, and pushing for better awareness, we can help to shift the odds in our favour.” Related...‘I Didn’t Know There Was A Stage 0’: Tina Knowles' Cancer Diagnosis Is a Wake-Up Call For MammogramsEarly Detection Is Key In Treating Cervical Cancer. Here Are 3 Symptoms To Look ForThis Superfruit's Seeds Can Reduce The Risk Of 6 Cancers

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