Can kidney cancer be deadly?

Absolutely, kidney cancer can be deadly. According to the National Cancer Institute, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) – the most common form of kidney cancer in adults – has a five-year survival rate of 73%, meaning that 27% of those diagnosed with RCC will die within five years. Particular risk factors that may make you more likely to have worse outcomes include having a higher tumor stage at diagnosis or certain genetic syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau Disease and Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome.

Treatments for kidney cancer vary depending on the stage and type of tumour present. Surgery is the most common treatment option and depending on how advanced the disease is may involve removing part or all of one kidney (partial nephrectomy), or both kidneys if necessary (radical nephrectomy). Other treatments include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy; however each comes with its own set of potential side effects so should be discussed thoroughly before starting any treatment.

It is important to note that catching the disease early helps improve prognosis and overall outcome which emphasizes the importance regular checkups by your GP who can monitor physical symptoms related to renal cell carcinoma such as blood in your urine, fatigue or pain in your lower back/side etc... Early detection allows doctors time to plan an appropriate treatment program tailored to an individual patient’s circumstances but also gives them more time they need find additional support networks if needed too. As always prevention is better than cure when it comes down cancers so maintaining healthy lifestyle habits such as not smoking, making healthy dietary choices and doing regular exercise are essential steps we all should look into regardless!