Noticing symptoms
Cancers and other diseases can cause symptoms. These are changes in your body that you notice. Kidney cancers often cause changes in the way your kidneys work and you could notice blood in your urine.
Not all kidney changes are caused by cancer. However, it is always best to let your doctor know about any symptoms you have.
What you need to know
Kidney cancer symptoms
Most people with kidney cancer have no symptoms early in their illness. Others have vague symptoms that can seem like other illnesses.
Symptoms that may be caused by kidney cancer include:
- blood in the urine (haematuria)
- a lump in the abdomen or side
- persistent pain in the side or lower back
- unexplained weight loss
- feeling tired and lethargic
- loss of appetite
- a high temperature
- being pale or short of breath due to anaemia.
Most symptoms are not caused by cancer, but it is always best to let your doctor know about any symptoms you have, even if they seem minor.
Cancers that are diagnosed early can be easier to treat.
Cancers that are diagnosed early can be easier to treat.
Next steps
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have symptoms that you are worried about, even if they seem minor, you should go to see a GP. Don't be embarrassed to bring up your concerns.
Remember, cancers that are found earlier can be easier to treat.