March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month!
What you should know
Every March, Kidney Cancer Awareness Month allows us to shed light on a disease that affects thousands of individuals and their families each year. It’s a time to increase understanding, encourage conversations, and empower people with facts that could make a difference in early detection and outcomes.
Kidney cancer often develops quietly, with symptoms going unnoticed, especially in the early stages. That’s why awareness and knowing the signs matters. Early detection can mean better outcomes.
1. Kidney cancer is twice as common in men.
Kidney cancer is 2x more common in men than in women [1]. While it can affect anyone, men have a significantly higher risk. This is due to various lifestyle factors and occupational exposures. These factors may include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, workplace toxins exposure and family history. Understanding your personal risk and discussing it with your urologist or primary care physician is an important step toward prevention.
2. Most cases are found by accident.
Up to 80% of kidney cancers are discovered during imaging for another condition [2]. That means many kidney tumors are found incidentally — during scans ordered for unrelated medical concerns. Because early-stage kidney cancer often has no symptoms, these incidental findings can actually be life-saving, allowing treatment to begin before the cancer spreads.
3. Survival rates continue to improve.
78.6% of people with kidney cancer live five or more years after diagnosis [3]. Survival rates depend on many factors, including stage at diagnosis, the type of tumor, and overall health. When caught early, kidney cancer is often highly treatable — another reason awareness and routine medical care are so important.
4. It most commonly affects older adults.
The average age of someone diagnosed with kidney cancer is 65 [4]. While it can occur at younger ages, risk increases as we get older.
For adults over 60, especially those with additional risk factors, staying engaged in routine healthcare visits and discussing any unusual symptoms — such as blood in the urine, persistent back pain, or unexplained weight loss — is key.
Why Awareness Matters
Kidney Cancer Awareness Month is about more than just knowing the facts. It’s about:
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Encouraging conversations about risk factors
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Supporting those currently undergoing treatment
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Promoting early detection
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Reducing stigma around discussing urologic health
The more we talk about kidney health, the more likely we are to catch symptoms early — when treatment options are most effective.
Awareness is powerful — and it starts with informed conversations and self advocacy. Take charge of your kidney health today! Schedule an appointment with one of our urologists – we are here to help!
Citations:
[1], [4] American Cancer Society
[2] National Comprehensive Cancer Network
[3] National Cancer Institute Surveillance