Recently identified are the symptoms of kidney cancer that many often miss, leading to late diagnosis in most cases.
In the United States, kidney cancer ranks among the top 10 most prevalent cancers, resulting in thousands of deaths annually.
A significant issue with kidney cancer is that it often goes undetected until advanced stages, giving it the moniker of the ‘silent disease’.
Kidney Cancer UK reports that an astonishing 80% of kidney cancer cases are discovered by chance.
The charity notes that over half (55 percent) of diagnoses come after scans or tests for unrelated health issues.
The organization is now striving to highlight the ‘easy to ignore’ symptoms.
Hazel Jackson, the healthcare professional lead nurse at Kidney Cancer UK, informed The Sun: “Kidney cancer is often called a ‘silent disease’ because many people don’t notice anything wrong until it’s more advanced. That’s why spotting the early warning signs is so important.
“Symptoms are often vague – from back pain and chronic fatigue to recurring urine infections – meaning the warning signs are easy to miss.”
She emphasizes that blood in your urine is a major indicator and is considered ‘the biggest red flag’.
“It can show in different ways – from obvious deep red or brown urine to a faint pink tinge, tiny specks, or even blood only at the end of urination,” she added.
This symptom might appear only once and might be painless, leading many to ignore it.
“Some people assume a small drop isn’t worth worrying about, but in essence, any blood in your urine is abnormal and should be checked immediately. It could be caused by something simple like a kidney stone or infection, but it can also be an early sign of kidney cancer. Never dismiss it.”
Additional warning signs include a persistent dull ache or pain in your back or side and rapid weight loss.
Hazel points out that frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) might also be a symptom.
“Though most UTIs are harmless, repeated infections can mask serious kidney problems, including, in rare cases, cancer,” she mentioned to the outlet.
Other less recognized signs of kidney cancer include loss of appetite, a high temperature, and excessive sweating, including nighttime sweats.
Hazel further explained: “Symptoms of kidney cancer can be vague and don’t always appear together. That’s why it’s vital to trust your instincts. Early diagnosis saves lives. Treatment is far more effective when cancer is caught early.
“Don’t dismiss changes in your body – acting quickly could make all the difference. As a nurse specializing in kidney cancer care, my advice is simple: if in doubt, get it checked.
“You know your body best, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.”