Every year, World Kidney Cancer Day shines a light on a serious but often overlooked disease kidney cancer. In 2025, we continue to raise awareness, encourage early detection, and promote kidney health around the world.
What is Kidney Cancer?
Kidney cancer is a disease where cells in the kidney grow out of control and form a lump or tumor. Normally, our body forms new cells only when needed. But in cancer, old or damaged cells don't die, and new ones form when they shouldn't. These extra cells can form a mass called a tumor which may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
When is World Kidney Cancer Day Observed?
World Kidney Cancer Day is observed every year on the second Thursday in June. In 2025, it falls on June 17. This day brings together patients, caregivers, doctors, and advocates to share knowledge and push for better care.
World Kidney Cancer Day 2025: Theme and Significance
World Kidney Cancer Day 2025 focuses on the powerful theme: "Understanding Kidney Health." This theme encourages people all around the world to learn more about how their kidneys work, how to protect them, and why early detection of kidney cancer matters.
Your kidneys do much more than just remove waste. They help balance fluids in your body, regulate blood pressure, and produce important hormones. When something goes wrong with your kidneys such as the development of kidney cancer it can affect many areas of your health.
This year’s campaign highlights the importance of:
Awareness – Many people don’t know the symptoms or risk factors of kidney cancer. This day encourages open conversations and education.
Prevention – By adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce your risk of developing kidney cancer and other kidney-related diseases.
Early Detection – Kidney cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Knowing when to get screened can save lives.
Access to Care – Raising global awareness helps push for better healthcare systems, early diagnosis, and equal access to advanced treatments.
The goal of this year’s theme is simple but powerful:
Help people understand the role of kidneys in overall health and take action to protect them—through lifestyle changes, regular health checkups, and staying informed about cancer risks.
Whether you're a patient, caregiver, medical professional, or advocate, World Kidney Cancer Day 2025 invites everyone to be part of the movement. By understanding kidney health, we take a big step toward preventing and fighting kidney cancer.
History of World Kidney Cancer Day
World Kidney Cancer Day was first launched in 2017 by the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC), a global network of patient organizations that support people affected by kidney cancer. The IKCC created this day to increase global awareness of kidney cancer, promote early diagnosis, and support those living with the disease.Before this dedicated awareness day existed, kidney cancer often received far less attention than other common cancers. Many people were unaware of the symptoms, risk factors, or even that kidney cancer could be life-threatening. This lack of awareness often led to late diagnoses, when the disease was already advanced and harder to treat.Recognizing the urgent need for education, support, and advocacy, the IKCC and its partners across the globe came together to launch a day that would:
Raise awareness about kidney cancer and its global impact
Empower patients with knowledge and support
Encourage research and innovation in kidney cancer treatment
Push for early detection and better access to care
Since its first observance, World Kidney Cancer Day has been held every year on the second Thursday of June. It has grown into a truly international event, with participation from more than 45 countries, including patient groups, hospitals, healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates.
Each year, the campaign has a new theme, focusing on important aspects such as patient voices, early detection, risk factors, and this year’s focus Understanding Kidney Health. Through webinars, health camps, social media campaigns, and educational resources, the day brings global attention to a disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people each year.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of kidney cancer can be life-saving. One of the biggest challenges with kidney cancer is that it often develops silently with few or no symptoms in the early stages. Many people don’t even realize something is wrong until the cancer has grown large or spread to other parts of the body.This makes screening and regular health check-ups incredibly important, especially for people who have risk factors like:
When kidney cancer is caught early, the chance of successful treatment is much higher. In fact, when diagnosed at an early stage, many people can be treated effectively through surgery or targeted therapy, sometimes even without the need for chemotherapy or radiation. The 5-year survival rate for localized kidney cancer is over 90% a strong reason to catch it as soon as possible.Unfortunately, because the disease can go unnoticed, some cases are only diagnosed when the cancer is already in an advanced stage. At that point, treatment becomes more complex, and outcomes are less certain.
That’s why it's crucial to:
Know the risk factors
Pay attention to unusual signs (like blood in urine, unexplained weight loss, or back pain)
Talk to your doctor about screening if you’re at higher risk
Get regular check-ups, even if you feel fine
Early detection gives you options. It opens the door to less invasive treatments, better recovery, and a greater chance of living a healthy, cancer-free life.
Risk Factors for Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors increase your risk of developing the disease. Knowing these risk factors can help you take steps to protect your health and encourage regular check-ups if you're in a higher-risk group.Here are the main risk factors:
1. Smoking : Smoking is a major risk factor for kidney cancer. Harmful chemicals in tobacco can damage kidney cells over time, increasing the chances of cancer. Studies show that smokers are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer compared to non-smokers. The risk decreases if you quit, so stopping smoking is one of the best ways to reduce your risk.
2. Obesity : Being overweight or obese changes the way your body produces certain hormones, such as insulin and growth factors, which may promote cancer cell growth. Obesity is linked to a higher risk of developing renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer.
3. High Blood Pressure : Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure increases the strain on your kidneys and can lead to damage over time. Whether it’s the condition itself or the medications used to treat it, there is a clear link between uncontrolled blood pressure and a higher risk of kidney cancer.
4. Family History of Kidney Cancer : If someone in your immediate family such as a parent, sibling, or child has had kidney cancer, your risk may be higher. This could be due to genetic mutations passed down in the family, or shared environmental and lifestyle factors.
5. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) : People with long-term kidney problems, especially those on dialysis, have a much higher risk of developing kidney cancer. Damaged kidneys can become more vulnerable to abnormal cell growth, which may lead to cancer.
6. Exposure to Harmful Substances : Long-term exposure to certain toxic substances—like asbestos, cadmium, benzene, and some herbicides can increase the risk of kidney cancer. These chemicals are often found in workplaces such as construction, mining, metalworking, and agriculture
Screenings for Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer is often silent in its early stages, which is why regular screening plays an important role especially if you are at higher risk. Screening tests can help doctors detect kidney tumors before symptoms appear, increasing the chances of successful treatment.Here are the main tools doctors use to detect kidney cancer:
1. Ultrasound : An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys. It’s a safe, painless, and non-invasive test. Ultrasound can help detect lumps, cysts, or tumors in the kidney. If anything suspicious is found, your doctor may recommend further testing to confirm the diagnosis.
2. CT Scan (Computed Tomography) : A CT scan provides a more detailed image of the kidneys than an ultrasound. It uses X-rays and a computer to produce cross-sectional images. This is one of the most accurate methods to detect kidney tumors, determine their size, and check if the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs.
3. Urine Tests : A simple urine test can check for blood in the urine (a common symptom of kidney cancer) or detect abnormal cells that might indicate cancer. While not a standalone diagnostic tool, urine tests are a helpful screening method especially when combined with other tests.
4. Blood Tests: Blood tests can’t directly detect kidney cancer, but they help check how well your kidneys are working and look for signs of anemia or abnormal calcium levels, which may be linked to kidney cancer. These tests also help doctors understand your overall health and plan your treatment if needed.
When Should You Get Screened?
Most people don’t need routine screening unless they have specific risk factors, such as:
A family history of kidney cancer
Chronic kidney disease or long-term dialysis
History of smoking or high blood pressure
Obesity or exposure to certain harmful chemicals
Preventive Measures to Protect Kidney Health
While not all cases of kidney cancer can be prevented, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk and keep your kidneys healthy. Taking care of your kidneys not only helps prevent cancer but also protects you from other serious conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure.Here are five important steps you can take:
1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle forms the foundation of kidney health. Here’s how:
Eat a balanced diet – Choose plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce your intake of salt, processed foods, and red meats.
Stay active – Regular physical activity helps control weight, improve blood flow, and lower blood pressure all of which benefit your kidneys.
Keep a healthy weight – Being overweight puts extra stress on your kidneys and increases the risk of kidney cancer and other diseases. Even small weight loss can make a difference.
2. Manage Underlying Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions increase your risk of kidney problems and cancer:
Control diabetes – High blood sugar can damage kidney blood vessels over time. Keep your blood sugar levels in check with proper diet, exercise, and medication if needed.
Manage high blood pressure – Hypertension is one of the leading causes of kidney disease and a known risk factor for kidney cancer. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and follow your doctor’s advice.
3. Avoid Harmful Substances: Your kidneys filter out toxins from your blood, so limiting exposure to harmful substances helps protect them:
Quit smoking – Smoking doubles your risk of developing kidney cancer and harms blood vessels that supply the kidneys.
Limit alcohol – Heavy alcohol use can damage your kidneys and raise your blood pressure.
Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals – Stay away from long-term exposure to industrial chemicals like asbestos, cadmium, benzene, and certain pesticides. Always use protective equipment if your job involves such substances.
4. Regular Health Check-ups: Even if you feel healthy, regular medical visits are key:
Don’t skip your annual check-ups – Routine exams help catch kidney issues early, often before symptoms appear.
Monitor your kidney function – If you have risk factors (like a family history, diabetes, or high blood pressure), your doctor may recommend tests to check how well your kidneys are working.
5. Listen to Your Body: Your body often gives you warning signs. Don’t ignore them:
Blood in urine – This could be an early sign of kidney cancer.
Unexplained back or side pain – Especially in the area below the ribs.
Persistent fatigue or weight loss – These could signal an underlying problem, including cancer.
If you notice any unusual symptoms, talk to a doctor right away. Early detection gives you more treatment options and better outcomes.
Article By Dr. Piyush Gupta
Sr. Consultant - Urology
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early signs of kidney cancer?
Symptoms may include blood in the urine, a lump in the back or side, weight loss, or fatigue. But many cases show no early signs.
How common is kidney cancer globally?
Over 430,000 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year worldwide.
Can kidney cancer be detected early?
Yes, if you go for regular check-ups or screenings, especially if you're at high risk.
What’s the difference between kidney cancer and kidney disease?
Kidney cancer is a type of cancer. Kidney disease involves the gradual loss of kidney function. Both can be serious but are treated differently.
Can kidney cancer be cured?
If caught early, kidney cancer can often be treated successfully.
What is the survival rate for kidney cancer?
The five-year survival rate is about 75%, but this depends on the stage at diagnosis.
How does smoking affect kidney cancer risk?
Smoking doubles the risk. The harmful chemicals damage kidney cells over time.
Does obesity increase the risk of kidney cancer?
Yes. Extra body fat can lead to inflammation and hormone changes, which increase cancer risk.
Are there dietary habits that reduce kidney cancer risk?
Yes. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit red meat and processed foods.
Is kidney cancer hereditary?
It can run in families, though most cases are not inherited.
Can kidney cancer be prevented?
You can’t prevent all cases, but healthy lifestyle choices can lower your risk.
Which is the Best Hospital for Kidney Cancer Treatment in Gurgaon?
Artemis Hospitals is widely recognized as one of the best hospitals in Gurgaon for kidney cancer treatment. With a dedicated team of expert urologists, oncologists, nephrologists, and surgeons, Artemis offers advanced diagnostic tools, personalized treatment plans, and comprehensive care throughout the cancer journey. From early detection to surgery and post-treatment recovery, patients receive world-class, compassionate care tailored to their specific needs.
