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.
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.
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.
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
- being overweight
- having high blood pressure
- taking certain pain medications for extended periods
- working with chemicals, including trichloroethylene, which removes grease from metals
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
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
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.