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Kidney cancer

Kidney cancer usually develops from cells in the kidney tubules. A kidney tumour is often found by chance on a scan; blood in the urine, persistent flank pain or unexplained weight loss needs investigation.

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Kidney cancer usually develops from cells in the kidney tubules. A kidney tumour is often found by chance on a scan; blood in the urine, persistent flank pain or unexplained weight loss needs investigation.

  • Visible blood in the urine, sometimes without pain and sometimes only once.
  • Persistent pain in the side or back below the ribs that is not explained by movement.
  • Stop smoking; support increases the chance of success and also helps recovery after treatment.
  • Keep moving within your abilities and discuss persistent fatigue with the treatment team.
  • Make an appointment promptly for visible blood in the urine, even if it happens only once and is painless.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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