A leading cancer nurse has issued a stark warning that thousands of people in the UK and US may be dismissing early signs of the disease as minor health issues, potentially costing them their lives.
Often dubbed a “silent killer,” this specific cancer rarely causes noticeable symptoms until it has already advanced, making early detection critical.
A silent and rising threat
Kidney cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in both Britain and the United States, particularly among adults under 50. Experts say the trend is partly driven by modern lifestyle factors such as rising obesity rates and high blood pressure.
Almost 14,000 Britons are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year, with about 4,700 deaths annually. In the U.S., roughly 80,000 new cases are reported every year.
Worryingly, research shows that people born in the 1990s are up to three times more likely to develop the disease compared to those born in the 1950s.
Why early detection matters
Kidney cancer survival rates are heavily dependent on how early the disease is caught. If diagnosed at an early stage, around 75% of patients survive at least five years. However, once the cancer spreads, survival drops to just 18%.
Despite these grim statistics, a recent report from Kidney Cancer UK found that nearly all cases are spotted by accident, often during scans for unrelated conditions or emergency visits. Only one in five patients reported being diagnosed after a GP referred them for relevant tests.
Six key symptoms you shouldn’t ignore
Hazel Jackson, a specialist nurse at Kidney Cancer UK, told the Daily Mail that people should “trust their instincts” when it comes to unexplained changes in their health. She outlined six major symptoms to watch for:
- Recurring Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- While a single UTI is common and usually treatable, repeated infections could signal a deeper kidney problem.
- Symptoms include burning pain when urinating, frequent urges to go, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and sometimes fever or back discomfort.
- Persistent Pain in the Side, Back, or Below the Ribs
- A dull ache that lingers could be a sign of something more serious than muscle strain.
- Unexplained Fatigue
- Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest may be linked to kidney cancer or other underlying conditions.
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Rapid weight loss without dieting, known as cachexia or wasting syndrome, can occur in advanced cancer. Research suggests up to 80% of patients with late-stage cancers experience it.
- Lump or Swelling in the Side or Abdomen
- Any unusual mass in the abdominal area should be assessed by a doctor.
- Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)
- The most alarming red flag, blood in urine may appear as red, brown, or even faint pink discoloration. Even tiny specks should never be ignored.
“Any blood in your urine is abnormal and should be checked immediately,” Jackson said. “While it could be something simple like kidney stones, it may also be the first warning sign of kidney cancer.”
Jackson highlighted that vague symptoms and difficulties accessing GPs often delay diagnosis. She urged patients to advocate for themselves: “Be persistent. Clearly explain your symptoms, ask for your concerns to be taken seriously, and consider requesting a referral to a specialist if needed.”
Risk factors
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing kidney cancer; like smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and family history of kidney cancer.
With cases continuing to climb, especially among younger adults, experts stress the importance of awareness. Even seemingly minor health issues may warrant further investigation if they recur or persist.