In Singapore, kidney cancer is among the top ten most common cancers affecting men.

It accounts for 1-2% of all cancers, and is mainly seen in people over the age of 50. Nearly two-thirds of kidney cancer patients are over 65 years of age.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing kidney cancer.

These include:

• • Smoking: Tobacco use significantly raises the risk of kidney cancer.
• • Obesity: Being overweight or obese can lead to changes in hormone levels that promote cancer development.
• • Chronic kidney disease: Those with long-term kidney disease, especially those who undergo dialysis, are at an increased risk.
• • Family history: If someone in your family has had kidney cancer, your risk may be higher.
• • High blood pressure: Uncontrolled hypertension is linked to a greater risk of kidney cancer.
• • Genetic conditions: Certain inherited syndromes, such as von Hippel-Lindau disease, can predispose individuals to kidney cancer.

The treatment plan for kidney cancer is individualised based on the cancer’s stage, spread, and the patient’s overall health. 

Common treatment options include:

• • Surgery: The primary treatment for localised kidney cancer is the surgical removal of the tumour or kidney.
• • Targeted therapy: These drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth.
• • Immunotherapy: This treatment uses our immune system to fight cancer. It works by helping the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.
• • Radiation therapy: While uncommon, it may be used to treat kidney cancer tumours that cannot be surgically removed or to ease symptoms.
• • Chemotherapy: It may be used in some cases, particularly for certain types of advanced cancer.

The prognosis of kidney cancer largely depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. For localised kidney cancer (stages 1 and 2), the 5-year survival rate is high, often exceeding 90% when the tumour is surgically removed.

However, if kidney cancer is diagnosed at a more advanced stage (stages 3 or 4), where the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs (like the lungs or bones), the prognosis becomes less favourable. 

Advancements in treatments such as targeted therapies have improved the outlook for people with advanced or metastatic kidney cancer. These treatments can help manage the disease and improve quality of life.

Early detection plays a key role in achieving a better prognosis.

You can reduce your risk by:

• • Quitting smoking
• • Maintaining a healthy weight
• • Managing blood pressure
• • Avoiding exposure to harmful chemicals
• • Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables