Kidney Cancer | Louisiana Department of Health
Community Health & Wellness
Cancer
Kidney Cancer
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell cancer, is one of the most common cancers in both men and women in the United States.
In adults, renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer. Other, less common types of kidney cancer can happen. Young children are more likely to develop a kind of kidney cancer called Wilms tumor.
Kidney cancer is the fifth most common cancer in Louisiana, with around 1,251 new cases found each year. Kidney cancer is most common at ages 60-84, and very uncommon among people younger than age 45.
There are no current recommended screening tests. Kidney cancer can sometimes remain undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. It is important to consult with a primary care provider (PCP) to maintain routine checks, discuss family history, and receive the proper preventive guidance to detect this cancer early.
Signs & Symptoms
Blood in your urine
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Fever
Unexplained weight loss
Pain in your back or side that doesn't go away
Risk Factors & Behaviors
Older age.
Smoking tobacco.
Obesity.
High blood pressure.
Certain inherited conditions - including von Hippel-Lindau disease, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma and familial renal cancer.
Family history of kidney cancer.
Exposure to chemicals - including trichloroethylene
Long-lasting infections
Long-term consumption of certain medication
There's no definitive way to prevent kidney cancer - but as with most cancers - eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol use may reduce risk.
Testing
Blood & urine tests
Imaging tests
Biopsy
Treatment Options
Surgery
Cryoblation
Radiofrequency ablation
Radiation therapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy
Chemotherapy
Local Resources
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana
Ochsner Health: Kidney Cancer
National Resources
National Cancer Institute: Kidney Cancer
American Cancer Society: Kidney Cancer
CDC: Kidney Cancer
Kidney Cancer Association
National Kidney Foundation
Surgeon General
Evelyn Griffin, MD
Secretary
Bruce D. Greenstein
Cicero Government