The Problem
Kidney cancer, or renal cancer, occurs when cells in the kidneys become abnormal and grow uncontrollably. While the kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste and balancing fluids in the body, kidney cancer can often go undetected in its early stages due to a lack of noticeable symptoms.
In 2024, an estimated 4771 Australians will be diagnosed with kidney cancer. It remains one of the top 10 most fatal cancers in the country, affecting both men and women, although men are at a higher risk.
There are several types of kidney cancer, with the most common being renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which accounts for about 85% of cases. RCC begins in the cells lining the small tubes of the kidneys and often spreads to other parts of the body. Another type is transitional cell carcinoma, which starts in the renal pelvis, the area where the kidney connects to the ureter. Wilms tumour is a kidney cancer that primarily affects children.
Although the risk of kidney cancer generally increases with age, it can affect people at any stage of life. Factors such as smoking, obesity, hypertension, and a family history of kidney cancer contribute to the development of the disease. In some cases, genetic mutations are also found to increase the likelihood of developing kidney cancer.
Kidney Cancer Statistics (Australia) 2022
|
Statistic |
Figure |
|
Estimated number of new cases (2022) |
4552 |
|
Proportion of all new cancer cases |
2.8% |
|
Estimated number of deaths (2024) |
912 |
|
Five-year survival rate |
81% |
|
People living with kidney cancer (2013–17) |
14,469 |
*Source: Cancer Australia, Australian Government Department of Health
Kidney Cancer Statistics (Australia) 2024
Estimated number of new cases 4771
Average age of diagnosis 65
Ranking of commonly diagnosed cancers 7th
*Source: Cancer Council
Breaking Down Barriers
One of the major obstacles in combating kidney cancer is its tendency to be diagnosed at later stages, when it is harder to treat. Many kidney tumours are asymptomatic or present only vague symptoms, which means that regular screening is not typically performed.
While surgery can often remove localised tumours, advanced cases of kidney cancer require other treatments, such as targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy. However, progress in treatment is ongoing, and new therapies are providing patients with more hope for managing their condition and improving outcomes.
Breakthroughs in immunotherapy, which harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells, have shown promise for advanced kidney cancer cases, particularly for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments.
A Survivor’s Story: Meet Lee
Advancing Research and Saving Lives
- Genomic Medicine: By studying the genetic makeup of kidney tumours, researchers can develop personalised treatment plans that target the specific mutations in a patient’s cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy Advancements: New therapies designed to boost the body’s immune response are providing hope for patients who once had limited treatment options.
- Early Detection Innovations: Researchers are developing blood and urine tests that could detect kidney cancer earlier, offering patients a greater chance of successful treatment.
- Less Invasive Procedures: Minimally invasive treatments, including advanced surgeries and cryotherapy, are helping reduce recovery times and improve patient outcomes.
