Patient Resource Center
We’ve put together a list of common questions we often get from patients, as well as links to relevant information for those just starting to form a plan for a newly-diagnosed renal mass.
Our goal is to inform without adding to the overwhelm you’re already experiencing. We have reliable resources of information to help you as you begin to learn about kidney cancer.
A Kidney Cancer Diagnosis
What is a renal mass?
“We see a mass on your kidney.” Perhaps you heard this statement after a CT or ultrasound that was performed for another reason, and you are wondering what is going to happen next. Kidney cancer is also referred to as a “renal mass” which is an abnormal growth in the kidney.
Why didn’t my doctor find my kidney cancer sooner?
There is no screening test for kidney cancer so it is usually discovered by chance or after symptoms develop. Genetic health conditions can increase a risk for kidney cancer. Additional testing is usually required to make a good plan for your care.
There are so many medical words that I don’t understand!
You’ll soon become very familiar with the terminology and acronyms used in your care. In the meantime, here’s a tool to help. Enter the word you’d like explained in this dictionary of cancer terms provided by the National Cancer Institute:
Useful Videos
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.
Listen as Dr. Hans Hammers of UT Southwestern talks about diagnosis, early doctor visits, second opinions, shared decision making, and the early planning process.
Building your 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.
How is kidney cancer treated?
In this case, resources created by the International Kidney Cancer Coalition called “My Treatment, My Choices” might be very helpful. These informational PDFs include workbooks to help you understand your options, ask the right questions at your appointments, and make a care plan.
Traditional “chemotherapy” isn’t used for most types of kidney cancer.
Should I join a clinical trial?
The word “trial” can be a little intimidating. Most of us would prefer known treatments, certain outcomes. Unfortunately, for many cancer patients, trials are their best hope. Trials are also how we make progress toward cures. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial could be right for you.
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!
Today, KidneyCAN advocates are on #CapitolHill requesting a $60M appropriation for the #KidneyCancer Research Program (KCRP) in FY24. This funding is crucial for advancing research and #acceleratingcures.
We`re also asking Congress to allocate $50.9 billion to the #NIH, including $9.988 billion for the #NCI, to bolster #RCC research and development. Every dollar counts in the fight against cancer!
Dec 4
Today, KidneyCAN advocates are on #CapitolHill requesting a $60M appropriation for the #KidneyCancer Research Program (KCRP) in FY24. This funding is crucial for advancing research and #acceleratingcures.
We`re also asking Congress to allocate $50.9 billion to the #NIH, including $9.988 billion for the #NCI, to bolster #RCC research and development. Every dollar counts in the fight against cancer!
⏰ There`s still time to make a difference this Giving Tuesday!
Haven`t had a chance to donate yet? No worries! Every contribution, big or small, helps us in our mission to #acceleratecures for #kidneycancer. Your support today can light the way to a brighter future for thousands of patients and families.
Let`s end the day strong! Donate now: https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
#KidneyCancer #GivingTuesday #TheFutureIsBright #AcceleratingCures
Nov 29
⏰ There`s still time to make a difference this Giving Tuesday!
Haven`t had a chance to donate yet? No worries! Every contribution, big or small, helps us in our mission to #acceleratecures for #kidneycancer. Your support today can light the way to a brighter future for thousands of patients and families.
Let`s end the day strong! Donate now: https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
#KidneyCancer #GivingTuesday #TheFutureIsBright #AcceleratingCures
As Giving Tuesday comes to a close, we reflect on the incredible journey ahead in 2024. Our mission to accelerate cures for kidney cancer is fueled by the dedication and compassion of our volunteers and community members.
Your unwavering support and tireless efforts give hope and strength to many. Let`s carry this spirit forward into the new year, continuing to light the way for breakthroughs and better care.
Together, we can make 2024 a landmark year in our fight against kidney cancer! Thank you for being our guiding stars. ✨
#KidneyCancer #GivingTuesday #TheFutureIsBright #AcceleratingCures
Nov 29
As Giving Tuesday comes to a close, we reflect on the incredible journey ahead in 2024. Our mission to accelerate cures for kidney cancer is fueled by the dedication and compassion of our volunteers and community members.
Your unwavering support and tireless efforts give hope and strength to many. Let`s carry this spirit forward into the new year, continuing to light the way for breakthroughs and better care.
Together, we can make 2024 a landmark year in our fight against kidney cancer! Thank you for being our guiding stars. ✨
#KidneyCancer #GivingTuesday #TheFutureIsBright #AcceleratingCures
This #GivingTuesday, we recognize the unsung heroes in the fight against kidney cancer: caregivers and family members.
At KidneyCAN, we understand the unique challenges you face. Your strength, love, and support are invaluable to those battling #kidneycancer. That`s why we`re committed to providing resources and support not just for patients, but for you too.
Your donation today helps us continue to offer guidance, education, and a caring community for everyone affected by kidney cancer. Together, we can light the path to a brighter future.
Support our mission: https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
#KidneyCancer #GivingTuesday #TheFutureIsBright #AcceleratingCures
Nov 29
This #GivingTuesday, we recognize the unsung heroes in the fight against kidney cancer: caregivers and family members.
At KidneyCAN, we understand the unique challenges you face. Your strength, love, and support are invaluable to those battling #kidneycancer. That`s why we`re committed to providing resources and support not just for patients, but for you too.
Your donation today helps us continue to offer guidance, education, and a caring community for everyone affected by kidney cancer. Together, we can light the path to a brighter future.
Support our mission: https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
#KidneyCancer #GivingTuesday #TheFutureIsBright #AcceleratingCures
This #GivingTuesday, light up the path for kidney cancer patients at every step of their journey. 🌟
At KidneyCAN, we understand that a kidney cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That`s why our Patient Resource Center is dedicated to being a guiding light, offering support and information from diagnosis through to living well.
Your generous donation today helps us enrich and expand these vital resources. Whether it`s navigating treatment options, understanding side effects, or finding ways to thrive post-diagnosis, we`re here to ensure no one walks this path alone.
Together, we can make the future brighter for every individual facing kidney cancer. Let`s unite to provide the tools, knowledge, and support needed at every turn.
Donate now and be a part of someone`s journey to hope and healing: https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
#KidneyCancer #GivingTuesday #TheFutureIsBright #AcceleratingCures
Nov 29
This #GivingTuesday, light up the path for kidney cancer patients at every step of their journey. 🌟
At KidneyCAN, we understand that a kidney cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. That`s why our Patient Resource Center is dedicated to being a guiding light, offering support and information from diagnosis through to living well.
Your generous donation today helps us enrich and expand these vital resources. Whether it`s navigating treatment options, understanding side effects, or finding ways to thrive post-diagnosis, we`re here to ensure no one walks this path alone.
Together, we can make the future brighter for every individual facing kidney cancer. Let`s unite to provide the tools, knowledge, and support needed at every turn.
Donate now and be a part of someone`s journey to hope and healing: https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
#KidneyCancer #GivingTuesday #TheFutureIsBright #AcceleratingCures
🌟 This #GivingTuesday, join us in illuminating the journey for #kidneycancer patients.
KidneyCAN`s Town Hall events are not just webinars. They are a lifeline of hope, knowledge, and connection. Each session is crafted to empower patients and caregivers with the latest insights into kidney cancer research, treatment, and survivorship stories. From understanding the latest updates to celebrating long-term survivors and addressing vital kidney health, we`re here to light the path forward.
Your donation helps us continue these crucial conversations, bringing experts and the kidney cancer community together. It`s not just about facing the disease; it`s about thriving in spite of it.
Let`s make the future bright for every person touched by kidney cancer.
Donate now: https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
#TheFutureIsBright #AcceleratingCures #KidneyCAN #Hope
Nov 29
🌟 This #GivingTuesday, join us in illuminating the journey for #kidneycancer patients.
KidneyCAN`s Town Hall events are not just webinars. They are a lifeline of hope, knowledge, and connection. Each session is crafted to empower patients and caregivers with the latest insights into kidney cancer research, treatment, and survivorship stories. From understanding the latest updates to celebrating long-term survivors and addressing vital kidney health, we`re here to light the path forward.
Your donation helps us continue these crucial conversations, bringing experts and the kidney cancer community together. It`s not just about facing the disease; it`s about thriving in spite of it.
Let`s make the future bright for every person touched by kidney cancer.
Donate now: https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
#TheFutureIsBright #AcceleratingCures #KidneyCAN #Hope
KidneyCAN sends advocates each year to Capitol Hill to ask Congress to fund #kidneycancer research. From 2018-2023, we have had 980 advocates attend 1,316 congressional meetings. On #GivingTuesday, you can help support our mission to accelerate cures.
With your support, #TheFutureIsBright!
https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
Nov 28
KidneyCAN sends advocates each year to Capitol Hill to ask Congress to fund #kidneycancer research. From 2018-2023, we have had 980 advocates attend 1,316 congressional meetings. On #GivingTuesday, you can help support our mission to accelerate cures.
With your support, #TheFutureIsBright!
https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
At KidneyCAN, we believe that #TheFutureIsBright for kidney cancer research, and with your help, we can make that future a reality.
Your contribution on #GivingTuesday is more than a financial donation; it`s a hopeful gesture that fuels research, funds collaboration, empowers patients, and expands access to care.
Give now: https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
Nov 28
At KidneyCAN, we believe that #TheFutureIsBright for kidney cancer research, and with your help, we can make that future a reality.
Your contribution on #GivingTuesday is more than a financial donation; it`s a hopeful gesture that fuels research, funds collaboration, empowers patients, and expands access to care.
Give now: https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
In the United States alone, over 82,000 individuals are diagnosed with #kidneycancer each year. Each number represents a life, a story, a loved one.
By supporting KidneyCAN on #GivingTuesday, you`re not just contributing to a cause; you`re illuminating the way forward for countless individuals and families.
As we look towards 2024, let`s join hands to make it a landmark year in the fight against kidney cancer. Your gift today can turn hope into action, dreams into discoveries.
Please, take a moment to donate and help us ensure that for kidney cancer patients and their families, #TheFutureIsBright.
Give now: https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
Nov 28
In the United States alone, over 82,000 individuals are diagnosed with #kidneycancer each year. Each number represents a life, a story, a loved one.
By supporting KidneyCAN on #GivingTuesday, you`re not just contributing to a cause; you`re illuminating the way forward for countless individuals and families.
As we look towards 2024, let`s join hands to make it a landmark year in the fight against kidney cancer. Your gift today can turn hope into action, dreams into discoveries.
Please, take a moment to donate and help us ensure that for kidney cancer patients and their families, #TheFutureIsBright.
Give now: https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
The Kidney Cancer Research Summit (#KCRS) is a global event bringing together the world`s top #kidneycancer researchers, united in their efforts to #acceleratecures for #RCC. At KCRS, researchers and clinicians share data and collaborate on ideas for new treatments.
When you support KidneyCAN on #GivingTuesday, you`re contributing to these efforts! Bring hope and light to the future for patients all over the world with a one-time or recurring donation to KidneyCAN:
https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
Nov 28
The Kidney Cancer Research Summit (#KCRS) is a global event bringing together the world`s top #kidneycancer researchers, united in their efforts to #acceleratecures for #RCC. At KCRS, researchers and clinicians share data and collaborate on ideas for new treatments.
When you support KidneyCAN on #GivingTuesday, you`re contributing to these efforts! Bring hope and light to the future for patients all over the world with a one-time or recurring donation to KidneyCAN:
https://kidneycan.org/donate-now/
