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
CANCER.NET
www.cancer.net/cancer-types/kidney-cancer
INTERNATIONAL KIDNEY CANCER COALITION
www.ikcc.org
CANCER AND CAREERS
Strategies for Coping with Cancer in the Workplace
www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work
Join Our Grassroots Army
Join Us!
"What #KidneyCancer Can't Take from Us"
Be sure to check out the inspiring story of David and Josie, featured in our Community Spotlight this month. David was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer at age 37, months after his wedding to Josie. Though cancer upended some of the newlyweds' plans, they're focused on the positive and enjoying their lives together.
https://kidneycan.org/david-and-josie/
#cancer #survivorstories #communityspotlight #kidneycan #acceleratingcures #patientvoice #livingwithcancer #inspiration #optimism @cityofhope
🥰🥰 How it feels when your community SHOWS UP on #GivingTuesday! 🥰🥰
We have raised over $9,000 today and are still going strong! That means we have $18,000 with our match!
Every dollar you give to KidneyCAN goes to WORK for you -- for advocacy, for propelling research, for patient support and education. THANK YOU for being part of our grassroots army.
Give now at https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
In 2016, Congress appropriated ZERO dollars for #kidneycancer research. In 2022, that number is $50 million, in large part due to advocacy. When you give to KidneyCAN, you send your voice to Washington.
https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
Little by little. Step by step. This is how we do the work.
Please help us reach our $15,000 #GivingTuesday goal. We have BIG 2022 plans to #acceleratecures for #kidneycancer and we need YOU to make things happen!
Donate at KidneyCAN.org
KidneyCAN works to #acceleratecures for #kidneycancer. On #GivingTuesday, we're asking for your support. Want to know where your money goes?
See our 2021 accomplishments here: https://bit.ly/KidneyCAN2021
We have a generous match for up to $15,000 in donations this holiday season. Give now at https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
Between now and New Year's Day, we will lose around 1,280 people to #kidneycancer. KidneyCAN works to #acceleratecures, and our work is urgent. Please consider giving to KidneyCAN on #GivingTuesday.
https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
The holidays can be a hectic and overwhelming time, even if you're not dealing with #kidneycancer.
Tune in as our experts offer strategies for making the most of the holiday season -- managing symptoms, supporting your mental health, and more.
"Handling the Holidays with Cancer"
• FREE Patient & Caregiver Event
• Tuesday, Nov. 30th at 5:30 pm EST
• Online via Zoom
• Interactive -- ask your questions!
You're not alone this holiday season! Register now at www.kidneycan.org.
Thanksgiving Day is behind us ... how are you doing?
If you're overwhelmed and a little exhausted by the thought of the full holiday season ahead, we can help.
You're not alone this holiday season.
Join us for a conversation with experienced patients, caregivers, and medical professionals as they share their best tips and strategies for surviving (and thriving!) during the holidays when you or a loved one has cancer.
💚 Handling the Holidays with Cancer
💻 Free, Interactive Zoom Webinar
📆 Tuesday, November 30th
⏰ 5:30-6:30 pm EST (with "eggnog happy hour" to follow!)
📩 Register at https://bit.ly/HolidayTownHall
What questions do you have for our experts? Drop them in the comments, or let us know when you register. We're here for you!
Dealing with #kidneycancer? You're not alone this holiday season.
Join us for a conversation with experienced patients, caregivers, and medical professionals as they share their best tips and strategies for surviving (and thriving!) during the holidays when you or a loved one has #cancer.
💚 Handling the #Holidays with Cancer
💻 Free, Interactive Zoom #Webinar
📆 Tuesday, November 30th
⏰ 5:30-6:30 pm EST (with "eggnog happy hour" to follow!)
📩 Register at https://bit.ly/HolidayTownHall
Are you a medical professional? Please share with your patients and staff! You can find a printable flyer for your office here: https://bit.ly/KCHolidayFlyer
Join this free symposium to understand how your quality of life and symptom management during #kidneycancer treatment can be improved by support from palliative care specialists.
This event is provided by our friends at the Judy Nicholson Kidney Cancer Foundation. Register here: https://jnfkidneycancer.org/supporting-patients-family-the-role-of-palliative-care/
KidneyCAN is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and does not receive any funding through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) or KCRP (Kidney Cancer Research Program). Our work is funded by grassroots donors in the kidney cancer community.
