Renal cancer

Many symptoms that are experienced gradually improve over time, being aware of what is ‘normal’ for you can help you notice if any additional support is needed.

Signs and symptoms to be aware of – when to ask for help

We recommend people contact their GP if they experience any of the following:

• Blood in the urine, also called haematuria
• Persistent low back pain, or pain in the side between the ribs and hip bone
• A lump or mass in the area of the kidneys
• High blood pressure, also called hypertension
• Unexplained tiredness
• Weight loss and/or loss of appetite
• Having a persistent raised temperature and sweating heavily, particularly at night time

We recommend that your GP monitors the kidney function, through a blood and urine test, on a yearly basis.

Health and wellbeing after treatment

The following resources From Kidney Care UK will help provide more information about healthy choices to protect your kidney function. This is particularly important after undergoing a nephrectomy or ablation.

• 1. Healthy habit 1: Eating lots of fruit and veg
• 1. Healthy habit 2: Not smoking
• 1. Healthy habit 3: Slashing the salt in your diet
• 1. Healthy habit 4: Drinking alcohol in moderation
• 1. Healthy habit 5: Avoiding over-the-counter painkillers
• 1. Healthy habit 6: Moving more
• 1. Healthy habit 7: Keeping ultra-processed foods for occasional treats
• 1. Healthy habit 8: Staying hydrated
• 1. Healthy habit 9: Cutting down on sugar
• 1. Healthy habit 10: Making time for sleep

Further information and support about Kidney Cancer

Kidney Cancer UK https://www.kcuk.org.uk/

• Support Line (0800 002 9002)
• Email: hello@kcuk.org.uk

Action Kidney Cancer (a patient led charity) https://actionkidneycancer.org/

• Helpline (0800 121 8721)
• Email: support@actionkidneycancer.org

For more information about support groups please see the additional information here