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:
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🎥 NEW VIDEO ALERT! Dive into the highlights of the KCRS23 meeting with Dr. Adam Stern, a #kidneycancer warrior, and Dr. Toni Choueiri from Dana-Farber, a leading voice in kidney cancer research. Discover why KCRS23 is a pivotal event in the kidney cancer community.
For an in-depth look at all the groundbreaking presentations, slides, and videos from KCRS23, visit: https://kcrs.kidneycan.org/kcrs23-presentations-video-slides/
Stay informed and be a part of the change in kidney cancer research!
#KCRS23 #KidneyCancerResearch
Sep 21
🎥 NEW VIDEO ALERT! Dive into the highlights of the KCRS23 meeting with Dr. Adam Stern, a #kidneycancer warrior, and Dr. Toni Choueiri from Dana-Farber, a leading voice in kidney cancer research. Discover why KCRS23 is a pivotal event in the kidney cancer community.
For an in-depth look at all the groundbreaking presentations, slides, and videos from KCRS23, visit: https://kcrs.kidneycan.org/kcrs23-presentations-video-slides/
Stay informed and be a part of the change in kidney cancer research!
#KCRS23 #KidneyCancerResearch
From coast to coast, our advocates made their voices heard! Over 100 passionate individuals joined us virtually this week, connecting with their representatives from the comfort of their homes.
Their message? The urgent need for #kidneycancer research funding.
Distance didn`t diminish our impact! In fact, it showcased our community`s resilience and adaptability. From living rooms to home offices, our advocates shared personal stories, presented data, and urged their reps to prioritize research for #RCC.
A massive thank you to every virtual advocate. Your dedication and commitment prove that we can come together to make a difference no matter where we are. 🌟💻
#AdvocacyDays #FundtheCure #VirtualAdvocacy #UnitedForResearch
Sep 20
From coast to coast, our advocates made their voices heard! Over 100 passionate individuals joined us virtually this week, connecting with their representatives from the comfort of their homes.
Their message? The urgent need for #kidneycancer research funding.
Distance didn`t diminish our impact! In fact, it showcased our community`s resilience and adaptability. From living rooms to home offices, our advocates shared personal stories, presented data, and urged their reps to prioritize research for #RCC.
A massive thank you to every virtual advocate. Your dedication and commitment prove that we can come together to make a difference no matter where we are. 🌟💻
#AdvocacyDays #FundtheCure #VirtualAdvocacy #UnitedForResearch
A behind-the-scenes look at the heart of advocacy in action! Our tireless advocates have been meeting face-to-face with decision-makers in DC, sharing personal stories and emphasizing the critical importance of #kidneycancer research funding.
Each photo captures a moment of collaboration, hope, and determination. These moments drive change, push boundaries, and remind us of the collective power we hold when we come together for a cause. Witness the change-makers in action!
Huge gratitude to our advocates for their unwavering commitment. Together, we`re shaping a brighter future for all affected by kidney cancer.
#AdvocacyDays #RCC #FundtheCure #KidneyCANOnTheHill #CancerResearch #AdvocacyInAction #TogetherForACure
Sep 20
A behind-the-scenes look at the heart of advocacy in action! Our tireless advocates have been meeting face-to-face with decision-makers in DC, sharing personal stories and emphasizing the critical importance of #kidneycancer research funding.
Each photo captures a moment of collaboration, hope, and determination. These moments drive change, push boundaries, and remind us of the collective power we hold when we come together for a cause. Witness the change-makers in action!
Huge gratitude to our advocates for their unwavering commitment. Together, we`re shaping a brighter future for all affected by kidney cancer.
#AdvocacyDays #RCC #FundtheCure #KidneyCANOnTheHill #CancerResearch #AdvocacyInAction #TogetherForACure
KidneyCAN in Action!
Scenes from a powerful week in DC! Our dedicated advocates took to Capitol Hill, navigating the halls of power and engaging in meaningful conversations with our representatives.
Their mission? To emphasize the urgent need for funding #kidneycancer research.
Every handshake, every story shared, and every office visited brings us one step closer to a future where kidney cancer is a thing of the past. Together, we`re not just making a statement; we`re making a difference.
Swipe to see the passion and commitment in action!
Thank you to all our advocates for being the voice of the kidney cancer community. Let`s keep the momentum going! #AdvocacyDay #RCC #FundtheCure #KidneyCANOnTheHill #CancerResearch
Sep 20
KidneyCAN in Action!
Scenes from a powerful week in DC! Our dedicated advocates took to Capitol Hill, navigating the halls of power and engaging in meaningful conversations with our representatives.
Their mission? To emphasize the urgent need for funding #kidneycancer research.
Every handshake, every story shared, and every office visited brings us one step closer to a future where kidney cancer is a thing of the past. Together, we`re not just making a statement; we`re making a difference.
Swipe to see the passion and commitment in action!
Thank you to all our advocates for being the voice of the kidney cancer community. Let`s keep the momentum going! #AdvocacyDay #RCC #FundtheCure #KidneyCANOnTheHill #CancerResearch
Standing tall in front of the Capitol Building, Kathleen champions the fight against #kidneycancer, inspired by the memory of her husband, Ken Moore, who passed in July 2021.
With the unwavering support of her children, Allison and Eric, Kathleen joins KidneyCAN today in urging Congress for:
✅ A $60 million appropriation for the #KCRP for FY24.
✅ $50.9 billion for the NIH, including a $9.988 billion appropriation for the NCI.
✅ Long-term #telehealth legislation.
✅ Sustainable funding for medical #research and ensuring the #patientvoice is central in legislative policy, especially in promoting diverse #clinicaltrial enrollment.
Together, we believe in a future with early detection, less toxic treatments, and ultimately, cures for kidney cancer.
#AdvocacyDays #KidneyCAN #AcceleratingCures #OneVoiceAgainstCancer
Sep 18
Standing tall in front of the Capitol Building, Kathleen champions the fight against #kidneycancer, inspired by the memory of her husband, Ken Moore, who passed in July 2021.
With the unwavering support of her children, Allison and Eric, Kathleen joins KidneyCAN today in urging Congress for:
✅ A $60 million appropriation for the #KCRP for FY24.
✅ $50.9 billion for the NIH, including a $9.988 billion appropriation for the NCI.
✅ Long-term #telehealth legislation.
✅ Sustainable funding for medical #research and ensuring the #patientvoice is central in legislative policy, especially in promoting diverse #clinicaltrial enrollment.
Together, we believe in a future with early detection, less toxic treatments, and ultimately, cures for kidney cancer.
#AdvocacyDays #KidneyCAN #AcceleratingCures #OneVoiceAgainstCancer
We’re off to our first #AdvocacyDays meetings on Capitol Hill!
Today we ask Congress to fund #kidneycancer research through the CDMRP and National Institutes of Health.
With 40 people per day losing their lives to this terrible disease, our mission is urgent.
#AcceleratingCures
Sep 18
We’re off to our first #AdvocacyDays meetings on Capitol Hill!
Today we ask Congress to fund #kidneycancer research through the CDMRP and National Institutes of Health.
With 40 people per day losing their lives to this terrible disease, our mission is urgent.
#AcceleratingCures
🎉 Milestone Alert! The #PACTAct has reached the $1 MILLION mark for claims filed!
This legislation has been instrumental in supporting #kidneycancer patients and many others. At KidneyCAN, we`re proud to have advocated for such transformative legislation and ensured veterans know the benefits available to them.
Learn more about this achievement here: https://bit.ly/PACTAct1M
#PACTAct #KidneyCANAdvocacy #SupportOurVeterans
Sep 15
🎉 Milestone Alert! The #PACTAct has reached the $1 MILLION mark for claims filed!
This legislation has been instrumental in supporting #kidneycancer patients and many others. At KidneyCAN, we`re proud to have advocated for such transformative legislation and ensured veterans know the benefits available to them.
Learn more about this achievement here: https://bit.ly/PACTAct1M
#PACTAct #KidneyCANAdvocacy #SupportOurVeterans
In the heart of Washington D.C., as the Rally for Medical Research unfolds, we take a moment to honor the brave souls we’ve lost to kidney cancer.
Each name on this sign, held by KidneyCAN President Bryan Lewis, is more than a memory—it’s a legacy.
Many of these patients participated in clinical trials and advocated tirelessly for research funding. Their courage and commitment have paved the path for future advancements in kidney cancer research.
They were not just patients; they were pioneers, champions for change, ensuring brighter prospects for those who follow in their footsteps.
Today, we rally in their memory, inspired by their dedication. Their spirit drives our mission forward. 🧡💚
#RallyMedRes #FundNIH
Sep 14
In the heart of Washington D.C., as the Rally for Medical Research unfolds, we take a moment to honor the brave souls we’ve lost to kidney cancer.
Each name on this sign, held by KidneyCAN President Bryan Lewis, is more than a memory—it’s a legacy.
Many of these patients participated in clinical trials and advocated tirelessly for research funding. Their courage and commitment have paved the path for future advancements in kidney cancer research.
They were not just patients; they were pioneers, champions for change, ensuring brighter prospects for those who follow in their footsteps.
Today, we rally in their memory, inspired by their dedication. Their spirit drives our mission forward. 🧡💚
#RallyMedRes #FundNIH
The power of unity! Today, we’re rallying with organizations from across the country to emphasize the importance of investing in the NIH.
Together, we can drive change, inspire hope, and save lives. Be part of the movement. 🌟
#RallyMedRes #FundNIH
#AcceleratingCures
Sep 14
The power of unity! Today, we’re rallying with organizations from across the country to emphasize the importance of investing in the NIH.
Together, we can drive change, inspire hope, and save lives. Be part of the movement. 🌟
#RallyMedRes #FundNIH
#AcceleratingCures
We`re proud to be in Washington D.C. today and tomorrow, standing alongside advocates from across the country at the 2023 Rally for Medical Research.
Our mission? To emphasize the importance of NIH funding and champion kidney cancer research.
Join us in raising our voices for MORE PROGRESS, MORE HOPE, and MORE LIVES SAVED.
#RallyMedRes #FundNIH
Sep 13
We`re proud to be in Washington D.C. today and tomorrow, standing alongside advocates from across the country at the 2023 Rally for Medical Research.
Our mission? To emphasize the importance of NIH funding and champion kidney cancer research.
Join us in raising our voices for MORE PROGRESS, MORE HOPE, and MORE LIVES SAVED.
#RallyMedRes #FundNIH
