World Kidney Cancer Day 2025: Know signs, risks, and prevention tips

Kidney cancer often remains silent until late stages, making awareness, screening and prevention vital to improving survival outcomes

World Kidney Cancer Day 2025, observed on Thursday, draws attention to one of the most overlooked yet increasingly common cancers worldwide. Often symptomless in its early stages, kidney cancer can progress undetected, making timely awareness and early detection essential. Initiated by the International Kidney Cancer Coalition, the day aims to educate the public about risk factors, warning signs, and the importance of preventive care.

What is kidney cancer?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, an American nonprofit academic medical centre based in Cleveland, Ohio, kidney cancer, or renal cancer, starts when cells in one or both kidneys begin to grow abnormally, forming a tumour. It often shows no symptoms early on, which is why it is commonly detected incidentally during other scans.

Why is World Kidney Cancer Day significant?

World Kidney Cancer Day is observed annually on the third Thursday of June, and this year, it falls on June 20, 2025. Initiated in 2017 by the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC), the day aims to raise global awareness about kidney cancer, its silent progression, and the need for early diagnosis. It also amplifies the voices of survivors and caregivers worldwide.

What is the theme of World Kidney Cancer Day 2025?

The official theme for World Kidney Cancer Day 2025 is “Show your kidneys some love.” 

 

This theme emphasis the importance of proactive kidney health—especially for individuals living with kidney cancer. It's a reminder to prioritise:

• Regular monitoring (like blood pressure, urine tests, blood creatinine/eGFR)
• Healthy lifestyle habits (hydration, weight management, quitting smoking, moderate exercise)

How does kidney cancer develop?

Kidney cancer typically starts in the cells lining the kidney tubules. The most common type is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), accounting for about 90 per cent of kidney cancer cases. If caught early, kidney cancer can often be treated successfully.

What are the early warning signs of kidney cancer?

While early kidney cancer may have no obvious symptoms, these red flags should not be ignored:

 

Kidney cancer symptoms may include:

• Blood in your pee (hematuria) 
• A lump or mass in your kidney area 
• Flank pain 
• Tiredness 
• A general sense of not feeling well 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss 
• Low-grade fever 
• Bone pain 
• High blood pressure 
• Anaemia 
• High calcium

Who is most at risk of kidney cancer?

You may be at higher risk if you:

• Smoke 
• Are obese or have high blood pressure 
• Have a family history of kidney cancer 
• Have had long-term dialysis or kidney disease 
• Are regularly consuming certain painkillers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen

How is kidney cancer diagnosed?

It’s usually found during imaging tests done for other conditions. Diagnostic methods include:

• Urine and blood tests (to check kidney function) 
• Ultrasound or CT scans (to detect masses or tumours) 
• Biopsy, if needed, to confirm malignancy

What are the treatment options for kidney cancer?

Treatments vary based on the stage and type:

• Surgery (partial or radical nephrectomy) is the most common option for early stages 
• Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are used for advanced cases 
• Radiation and chemotherapy may be used in specific cases

Can kidney cancer be prevented?

While not fully preventable, your risk can be lowered by:

• Quitting smoking 
• Managing high blood pressure and obesity 
• Staying hydrated and eating a healthy, plant-based diet 
• Avoiding excessive NSAID use 
• Going for regular health screenings, especially if you’re high-risk

According to experts, kidney cancer often remains undetected until it has spread, but early detection can boost survival rates significantly, while advanced-stage kidney cancer becomes much harder to treat. As cases rise worldwide, the day serves as a reminder to prioritise kidney health and encourage regular screenings.  For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS 

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.