Building a Care Team
Choosing a doctor can feel overwhelming, but this is especially true for patients with kidney cancer, which is considered one of the more “rare” cancers.
Finding a comprehensive cancer center
SPOREs (Specialized Centers of Excellence)
The SPOREs (Specialized Centers of Excellence) in kidney cancer foster collaborations among experts in renal cancer generating new resources and research opportunities for the scientific community. These centers offer a full team of specialists with expertise in management of kidney cancer. Patients who live a distance from either of these centers often choose a SPORE.
NCI-Designated Cancer Centers
Ideally you will find doctors who specialize in kidney cancer. NCI-Designated Cancer Centers deliver cutting-edge cancer treatments to patients in communities across the United States and are a good choice for your care center if the distance to one is manageable.
Do I need a second opinion?
Kidney Cancer is considered relatively uncommon, so a second opinion at a major cancer center on your choice of treatment may help you feel more confident about the treatment plan. A second opinion is especially important to consider if you have a rare subtype of kidney cancer. Visit this cancer.net page for further information.
Here’s a lead oncologist from an NCI cancer center explaining the importance and the process for getting a second opinion:
Doctors who specialize in kidney cancer
Oncologic surgeons and medical oncologists
Your first appointment (also called a consult) will usually be with a urologist trained to treat cancer with surgery. This physician may also be referred to as a urologic oncologist. Many patients will also see a medical oncologist, a physician trained to treat kidney cancer with medications.
Questions for my doctors
Writing questions down before your appointment is a good way to prepare and feel more in control. The list of questions in your lap is a good signal to the doctor to give you time for questions toward the end of your consultation.
This reference from Cancer.net will help you make a list of questions for your visit. It is also a good idea to have someone attend these initial treatment related appointments with you if possible. They can take notes and provide another set of ears, since there will be a lot of information to be understood and processed.
This video from healthination.com has some useful information.
Click the image to download this comprehensive resource book from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network for clear and comprehensive information about many aspects of kidney cancer, from basic concept to treatment guides.
Connect with Our Communities
There are multiple support groups serving the kidney cancer community. SmartPatients.com is a patient forum and a KidneyCAN partner. We recommend this as a private, moderated place to talk with other patients. Your cancer center may also have their own support groups.
Reliable Resources for Cancer Information
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
www.cancer.gov
From the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO)
CANCER.NET
www.cancer.net
NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER NETWORK
Guidelines for Patients with Kidney Cancer
www.nccn.org
NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER NETWORK
Pautas para Pacientes con Cáncer de Riñón (Español)
www.nccn.org
INTERNATIONAL KIDNEY CANCER COALITION
www.ikcc.org
CANCER AND CAREERS
Strategies for Coping with Cancer in the Workplace
www.cancerandcareers.org
This helpful widget from the National Cancer Institute can help you with medical vocabulary:
Join Our Grassroots Army
Join Us!
💚June 15th is #WorldKidneyCancerDay. This year, we`re talking about how to live well when you have kidney cancer.
A #kidneycancer diagnosis can impact your emotional health, which in turn can affect your relationships. This is a life-changing experience, and you may need to adjust household and extended family roles. At our Patient Resource Center, we’ve gathered resources to guide you as you share your diagnosis, communicate with others, and seek support.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/LivingWellRCC
Jun 8
💚June 15th is #WorldKidneyCancerDay. This year, we`re talking about how to live well when you have kidney cancer.
A #kidneycancer diagnosis can impact your emotional health, which in turn can affect your relationships. This is a life-changing experience, and you may need to adjust household and extended family roles. At our Patient Resource Center, we’ve gathered resources to guide you as you share your diagnosis, communicate with others, and seek support.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/LivingWellRCC
🌍 #WorldKidneyCancerDay is coming up!
IKCC is hosting a Global Patient and Caregiver Symposium on June 15th to discuss living well with #kidneycancer. We`re excited to join and learn together.
Don`t miss out! Register here: https://www.worldkidneycancerday.org/register/
Being diagnosed with and treated for kidney cancer will change many facets of your life. KidneyCAN provides information and support to help you manage your stress and improve your health and well-being at our Patient Resource Center: https://bit.ly/LivingWellRCC
#AcceleratingCures #LivingWellwithCancer
Jun 8
🌍 #WorldKidneyCancerDay is coming up!
IKCC is hosting a Global Patient and Caregiver Symposium on June 15th to discuss living well with #kidneycancer. We`re excited to join and learn together.
Don`t miss out! Register here: https://www.worldkidneycancerday.org/register/
Being diagnosed with and treated for kidney cancer will change many facets of your life. KidneyCAN provides information and support to help you manage your stress and improve your health and well-being at our Patient Resource Center: https://bit.ly/LivingWellRCC
#AcceleratingCures #LivingWellwithCancer
📣 World Kidney Cancer Day is on June 15th!
This year`s theme is "Living Well with Kidney Cancer." Join our partners and us at IKCC for the Global Patient and Caregiver Symposium to learn more about maintaining your quality of life while managing #kidneycancer.
Register here: https://www.worldkidneycancerday.org/register/
In the meantime, check out our Patient Resource Center for more resources to help you feel your best while coping with kidney cancer: https://bit.ly/LivingWellRCC
#WorldKidneyCancerDay #AcceleratingCures #LivingWellwithCancer
Jun 7
📣 World Kidney Cancer Day is on June 15th!
This year`s theme is "Living Well with Kidney Cancer." Join our partners and us at IKCC for the Global Patient and Caregiver Symposium to learn more about maintaining your quality of life while managing #kidneycancer.
Register here: https://www.worldkidneycancerday.org/register/
In the meantime, check out our Patient Resource Center for more resources to help you feel your best while coping with kidney cancer: https://bit.ly/LivingWellRCC
#WorldKidneyCancerDay #AcceleratingCures #LivingWellwithCancer
Don`t miss this insightful video featuring Dr. Eric Jonasch from MD Anderson Cancer Center discussing brain metastases in #kidneycancer. Learn about:
· early indicators
· the importance of brain MRIs
· treatment options like SRS and surgery
· the effectiveness of existing drug treatments
Stay informed and empowered on this critical topic. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q7c-YV85oso
May 31
Don`t miss this insightful video featuring Dr. Eric Jonasch from MD Anderson Cancer Center discussing brain metastases in #kidneycancer. Learn about:
· early indicators
· the importance of brain MRIs
· treatment options like SRS and surgery
· the effectiveness of existing drug treatments
Stay informed and empowered on this critical topic. Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q7c-YV85oso
🇺🇸 Honoring Heroes on Memorial Day 🇺🇸
Today, on #MemorialDay, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. We pay tribute to their courage, dedication, and selflessness in defending our freedoms.
As we commemorate this day, it is essential to recognize that many service-related deaths result from diseases, specifically #kidneycancer, linked to exposures during military service. We stand with our veterans and their families, offering support and resources to navigate their healthcare journeys.
Visit our Kidney Cancer and the Military page in the Patient Resource Center, where we share powerful stories from veterans affected by cancer due to exposure while serving. These stories highlight the significance of the recently passed PACT Act, which provides recognition, validation, and medical aid for service-related chemical injuries.
https://bit.ly/MiltaryandKidneyCancer
Today, let us honor our fallen heroes and also support our living heroes by ensuring they receive the care and benefits they deserve. Together, we can continue to advocate for improved healthcare access and research advancements, while standing in solidarity with our military community.
#MemorialDay #RememberingOurHeroes #VeteransStories #PACTAct #supportourheroes
May 29
🇺🇸 Honoring Heroes on Memorial Day 🇺🇸
Today, on #MemorialDay, we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. We pay tribute to their courage, dedication, and selflessness in defending our freedoms.
As we commemorate this day, it is essential to recognize that many service-related deaths result from diseases, specifically #kidneycancer, linked to exposures during military service. We stand with our veterans and their families, offering support and resources to navigate their healthcare journeys.
Visit our Kidney Cancer and the Military page in the Patient Resource Center, where we share powerful stories from veterans affected by cancer due to exposure while serving. These stories highlight the significance of the recently passed PACT Act, which provides recognition, validation, and medical aid for service-related chemical injuries.
https://bit.ly/MiltaryandKidneyCancer
Today, let us honor our fallen heroes and also support our living heroes by ensuring they receive the care and benefits they deserve. Together, we can continue to advocate for improved healthcare access and research advancements, while standing in solidarity with our military community.
#MemorialDay #RememberingOurHeroes #VeteransStories #PACTAct #supportourheroes
A gorgeous day in DC! KidneyCAN joined partner organizations to speak to freshman reps in Congress about the need for CDMRP funding. Thanks to all who joined us!
#AcceleratingCures
May 18
A gorgeous day in DC! KidneyCAN joined partner organizations to speak to freshman reps in Congress about the need for CDMRP funding. Thanks to all who joined us!
#AcceleratingCures
📸 Capturing meaningful connections! Our KidneyCAN team had the privilege of engaging with patients and guests at the "Together Facing Genitourinary Cancer" workshop at Fox Chase Cancer Center last night. Patients also heard from experts on promising treatments for #GUcancers.
We`re proud to provide valuable resources and support to those affected by #kidneycancer! Thank you to FCCC for having us at this event.
May 12
📸 Capturing meaningful connections! Our KidneyCAN team had the privilege of engaging with patients and guests at the "Together Facing Genitourinary Cancer" workshop at Fox Chase Cancer Center last night. Patients also heard from experts on promising treatments for #GUcancers.
We`re proud to provide valuable resources and support to those affected by #kidneycancer! Thank you to FCCC for having us at this event.
We recently caught up with one of our favorites, Dr. Alexander Kutikov of Fox Chase Cancer Center, at the American Urological Association meeting. Tonight, we`re back at Fox Chase for "Together Facing Genitourinary Cancer," a free educational workshop for patients and caregivers.
The program will feature a panel of Fox Chase clinicians and researchers discussing promising treatments for bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer. KidneyCAN, along with industry partners and Fox Chase special services, will also participate in the event by providing helpful resources.
If you`re near Philly, come join us tonight! Info at https://www.foxchase.org/TogetherFacingGUCancer2023
May 11
We recently caught up with one of our favorites, Dr. Alexander Kutikov of Fox Chase Cancer Center, at the American Urological Association meeting. Tonight, we`re back at Fox Chase for "Together Facing Genitourinary Cancer," a free educational workshop for patients and caregivers.
The program will feature a panel of Fox Chase clinicians and researchers discussing promising treatments for bladder, kidney, and prostate cancer. KidneyCAN, along with industry partners and Fox Chase special services, will also participate in the event by providing helpful resources.
If you`re near Philly, come join us tonight! Info at https://www.foxchase.org/TogetherFacingGUCancer2023
"I`m not going to be pre-cancer Laura ever again. I happen to quite like post-cancer Laura, actually, so that`s a good thing."
🧡💚💪✨
At our recent Town Hall, we heard from the best experts -- patients who understand the challenges of living with #kidneycancer. We also learned about strategies for coping and thriving despite the uncertainties. Watch the recording now for inspiration and hope!
WATCH: https://youtu.be/gdYKrEL7OjM
Additional resources for patients at www.kidneycan.org
#kidneycancer #KidneyCAN #TownHall #RCC #survivorship
May 3
"I`m not going to be pre-cancer Laura ever again. I happen to quite like post-cancer Laura, actually, so that`s a good thing."
🧡💚💪✨
At our recent Town Hall, we heard from the best experts -- patients who understand the challenges of living with #kidneycancer. We also learned about strategies for coping and thriving despite the uncertainties. Watch the recording now for inspiration and hope!
WATCH: https://youtu.be/gdYKrEL7OjM
Additional resources for patients at www.kidneycan.org
#kidneycancer #KidneyCAN #TownHall #RCC #survivorship
Looking for inspiration and hope on your #kidneycancer journey? Join us for our Town Hall event on Tuesday, featuring stories of survivorship from three patients.
Register now for this free virtual webinar: https://bit.ly/RCCSurvivorship
#rcc #cancersurvivorship #hope
Apr 22
Looking for inspiration and hope on your #kidneycancer journey? Join us for our Town Hall event on Tuesday, featuring stories of survivorship from three patients.
Register now for this free virtual webinar: https://bit.ly/RCCSurvivorship
#rcc #cancersurvivorship #hope
