By Dr. Sidrah Khalid
March is kidney cancer awareness month. Most kidney cancers are found through incidental imaging for other causes, which is because most people with early kidney cancer do not show signs. Symptoms present as a cancer grows and becomes advanced.
Some of the symptoms to look for are:
- Blood in the urine
- Flank pain
- Abdominal mass
- Weight loss
If a kidney cancer is found, depending on whether it is localized or spread to other organs, treatment and survival rates vary. A multidisciplinary team is needed to formulate a treatment plan. For localized cancer, surgery is warranted, along with possible immunotherapy or targeted therapy. Immunotherapy allows the immune system to fight the cancer cells. The targeted therapies are based on precision medicine, in which next- generation testing is performed on the patient’s cancer specimen or blood. They target specific mutations on the cancer cells if present. For advanced kidney cancer, both immunotherapy and targeted therapies are treatment options.
Clinical trials are another treatment option available to patients. Please ask your provider about any clinical trials that are available during your cancer journey.
Some of the risk factors for kidney cancer that can be prevented include:
- smoking
- hypertension
- obesity
- occupational exposure: need to follow work safety protocols
- prolonged use of aspirin, Tylenol
- chronic hepatitis C virus. Testing for hepatitis C would be useful, as there are treatments available for treating hepatitis C.
- history of kidney stones
Continued focus on lifestyle changes and regular follow-ups with primary care doctors would help to modify the risk factors for kidney cancer.
Additionally, kidney cancer can be related to genetic syndromes. Looking at family history of cancers and doing genetic testing is important to identify the genetic syndromes. If a syndrome is found, appropriate screening tests can be performed to identify and treat kidney cancer earlier and improve survival. Ask your provider about genetic testing, as it can impact your own health and that of your family members.
Dr. Sidra Khalid is a physician with Memorial Physician Clinics seeing patients in hematology and medical oncology. Reach her at (228) 575-1234.