Kidney cancer is the seventh most common form of cancer in the UK, responsible for more than 13,000 diagnoses every year. It also accounts for around 4,700 deaths annually – or 13 a day.
Despite its prevalence some of the warning signs can be hard to spot. One expert spoke exclusively with Express.co.uk about some of the symptoms of kidney cancer you should not ignore.
These can be subtle and easily overlooked, according to Malcolm Packer, CEO of Kidney Cancer UK. But if you notice them you should seek medical advice from your doctor.
Malcolm said: “It is vital that you speak to your GP if you experience any of these symptoms for three weeks or more.
“By highlighting these lesser-known symptoms, Kidney Cancer UK wants to empower more people to recognise potential signs of the disease early on, fostering a proactive approach to healthcare and ultimately improving outcomes for those affected by kidney cancer. “
Malcolm listed three signs to look for as:
Fatigue
Feeling a little bit tired every now and then is to be expected but ongoing fatigue could be a sign of something serious.
“Persistent fatigue is a symptom that is often overlooked or attributed to various other factors,” Malcolm said.
“People are prone to dismissing this if they have a hectic lifestyle or don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis.
“However, it can be indicative of kidney cancer, as the disease may affect the production of erythropoietin, a hormone responsible for red blood cell production, leading to anaemia and subsequent fatigue.”
Unexplained weight loss
This is another subtle yet significant symptom, Malcolm said.
He continued: “While weight loss is often associated with positive lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, an unexpected and unexplained drop in weight can be a red flag for kidney cancer.
“Tumour-induced metabolic changes and loss of appetite can contribute to weight loss.”
Persistent hypertension
Although high blood pressure is typically associated with heart health it is also a less recognised symptom of kidney cancer.
Malcolm added: “The kidneys play a vital role in regulating blood pressure, and tumours can disrupt this function.
“Persistent hypertension, especially when coupled with other symptoms, should prompt individuals to seek medical attention and consider kidney cancer screening.”
The NHS lists other symptoms of kidney cancer as:
- Blood in your urine
- A lump or swelling in your back, under your ribs, or in your neck
- Pain between your ribs and waist that does not go away
- Loss of appetite
- A high temperature that does not go away
- Sweating a lot, including at night.
However, these do not necessarily mean you have kidney cancer.
The NHS says: “Some of these symptoms are common and can be caused by many different conditions.
“Having them does not definitely mean you have kidney cancer. But it’s important to get them checked by a GP.
“This is because if they’re caused by cancer, finding it early can mean it’s more treatable.”
You are more at risk for kidney cancer if you:
- Have a close relative with kidney cancer
- Smoke
- Are overweight or living with obesity
- Have high blood pressure
- Have certain inherited genetic conditions, such as tuberous sclerosis
- Are having long-term dialysis for chronic kidney disease.
