March is National Kidney Cancer Awareness Month
3/14/2023
Rezwan Islam, MD, Aspirus Oncologist
In recognition of
National Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, Aspirus Health aims to bring awareness
to kidney cancer and encourage individuals to show support for those affected.
Kidney cancer, also
known as renal cancer, is one of the most common cancers in the United States,
with more than 79,000 new diagnoses and 13,920 deaths in 2022, according
to the National Institutes of Health.
In the early stages of
kidney cancer, most people don’t have signs or symptoms. Kidney cancer is
usually detected by chance during medical evaluations of unrelated issues.
However, as the tumor grows, some symptoms may include blood in the urine, pain
in the lower back, a lump in the lower back or side of the waist or unexplained
weight loss, night sweats, fever or fatigue.
“Early detection leads
to a very high rate of cure. Once detected, surgery provides maximum chance of
cure in early-stage disease. Immunotherapy can also play an important role in
preventing the cancer from recurring. In advanced stage disease such as stage
four kidney cancer, targeted therapy in addition to immunotherapy can be
utilized to manage the disease,” says Rezwan Islam, MD, Aspirus Oncologist. “We
ensure each patient is educated in their options and their concerns are voiced
when it comes to making any sort of decision about their future health care.”
Many cases tend to be
in those over the age of 45 and occur more often in men than women, but kidney
cancer can affect anyone.
Some risk factors for
kidney cancer may include family history, long-term exposure to certain harmful
chemicals, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, certain medications, and a
history of kidney disease. Talk with your primary care provider with any questions
or concerns about your risk factors.
Dr. Rezwan Islam sees patients at Aspirus Cancer Care in Stevens Point, WI. For
information about Aspirus cancer services, visit www.aspirus.org/cancer-care-blood-disorders. Learn more about
kidney cancer from the Kidney
Cancer Association.
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