March 2023 is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. Charities and kidney cancer campaigners across the United States invite people to wear an orange ribbon to show their support.

This article explores what Kidney Cancer Awareness Month is and how people can help. It also gives an overview of kidney cancer, its risk factors, and treatment.

Kidney Cancer Awareness Month focuses people’s attention on kidney cancer. It highlights the obstacles those with the disease face and the practical help available to them and their caregivers.

It is also an opportunity to promote advances in research and stress the importance of research into new treatments.

Some kidney cancer charities, including the Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) and Kidney Cancer Research Alliance (KCCure), use the month to highlight their fundraising activities.

Learn more about kidney cancer.

Kidney Cancer Awareness Month aims to improve the public’s understanding of the disease. It is also an opportunity for people with the condition to talk openly about its effect on their lives.

KCCure explains that many people feel overwhelmed and emotionally distressed when they first receive their diagnosis. The charity hopes that the awareness campaign will highlight some of the challenges individuals face. It also provides up-to-date information about treatment options and where to find appropriate support.

Learn more about coping with a cancer diagnosis.

According to the KCA, orange is the official color for Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. The charity also supplies free orange ribbons for people to show their support.

Orange ribbons are available from other kidney cancer charities, including Wilms Cancer Foundation.

Learn about cancer ribbon colors.

People can support Kidney Cancer Awareness Month in many ways, from hosting fundraising events to volunteering their time.

Host a fundraising event

Many people turn their passions or hobbies into fundraising events. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and KCA provide support and advice for people wishing to fundraise.

Volunteer

People can help charities raise funds by donating their time. Charities may need volunteers to steward events, collect money, or work in charity outlets. The NKF explains different ways to volunteer.

Spread the word

Individuals can use social media to share experiences and stories about kidney cancer. The KCA invites people to share their stories on their site, but they can use other platforms to promote the message.

Donate

Making a one-off payment or regular donation helps charities provide support for those who need it.

Kidney cancer is cancer that starts in the kidneys. There are many types of this disease, but renal cell carcinoma is the most common.

Key statistics:

  • There are 600,000 people in the U.S. living with kidney cancer.
  • During 2023, almost 82,000 individuals will develop the disease.
  • The overall 5-year survival rate for kidney cancer is 77%.
  • Around 15,000 people will die from the disease this year.
  • The lifetime risk of developing kidney cancer is higher in males (about 1 in 46) than in females (about 1 in 80).
  • The average age at diagnosis is 64 years.

Risk factors

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say smoking increases a person’s risk of developing kidney cancer. Other risk factors include:

Learn more about kidney cancer’s causes and risk factors.

Treatment

Doctors recommend different treatment plans depending on what type of kidney cancer a person has and whether or not it has spread to other organs in the body.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) explains that people with kidney cancer may need surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible before having chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Sometimes, doctors will also recommend immunotherapy to stimulate someone’s immune system to help it destroy the cancer cells.

Learn more about kidney cancer treatment.

Many people with kidney cancer benefit from support groups online or in person. Healthcare teams can direct people to local associations or websites, including the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Additionally, CancerCare provides links for counseling, financial help, rides to and from the hospital, and support groups for people affected by kidney cancer.

The ACS and NKF offer individuals the chance to ask doctors questions they have not asked their immediate healthcare team.

Support and information are available from:

March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. The campaign aims to raise the profile of kidney cancer and provide information and support for people affected by the disease.

Many charities also use the campaign to raise funds and highlight the services they offer. They invite people to show support by wearing an orange ribbon.