World Kidney Cancer Day Date in the current year: June 19, 2025

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is an umbrella term for cancers that originate in the kidneys. It is the 13th most common form of cancer, accounting for 2% of cancer cases and deaths worldwide. The two main types of kidney cancer are renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for 80-90% of cases, and transitional cell carcinoma, which accounts for most of the rest. A relatively rare type of kidney cancer is Wilm’s tumor (nephroblastoma), which predominantly occurs in children under five years of age.

Risk factors for RCC and TCC include smoking (responsible for 25-30% of cases), high blood pressure, obesity, certain pain medications, chemical carcinogens, family history of kidney cancer, previous history of bladder cancer, kidney disease, and hepatitis C. Kidney cancer affects men twice as often as women.

One of the main dangers of kidney cancer is that it is asymptomatic and undetectable through physical examination in the early stages. Classic symptoms of advanced kidney cancer include blood in the urine, flank pain (on either side of the lower back, between the ribs and pelvis), and a palpable mass in the abdomen. However, this classic triad occurs in fewer than 15% of cases. Due to its nonspecific symptoms, kidney cancer is often diagnosed incidentally. A biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis.

The treatment for kidney cancer depends on its type and stage. Since renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) often don’t respond to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, surgery is the most common treatment for kidney cancer. If the disease is not too advanced, it is often possible to preserve part of the kidney. Other treatments include cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, biological therapies, and immunotherapy. Will’s tumor can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

The five-year overall survival rate for kidney cancer is 60-75%, depending on the region. If the tumor is confined to the kidney, the five-year survival rate is over 93%. For tumors that have metastasized to the surrounding lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is 70%. For kidney cancer that has spread widely, the rate is 12%.

World Kidney Cancer Day was created by the International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC). The IKCC is a global network of national kidney cancer patient associations and other organizations that represents the kidney cancer community. It works to reduce the global burden of kidney cancer through awareness, information, advocacy, and research.

The main objective of World Kidney Cancer Day is to raise global awareness about kidney cancer, including its symptoms, risk factors, prevention, early detection, and treatment options. The day aims to educate the public, support patients, promote early diagnosis, and advocate for improved access to care and research funding.