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!
For this installment of #KidneyCANDID, Dr. Sumanta Pal of City of Hope shares two things patients can do as they prepare for their #kidneycancer appointments.
▶️ Questions & Support: What to Bring to Your Kidney Cancer Oncology Appointment
Watch here: https://youtu.be/eSHbG7OeYHg
Have a topic you'd like us to cover in another episode of #KidneyCANDID? Comment below or email us at [email protected]!
Today, KidneyCAN is working with One Voice Against Cancer to advocate for #cancer research funding. Here we are with Senator Toomey's office (PA), along with Senator Warnock's office (GA). Thank you to Livestrong and other organizations lifting their voices today!
We urge Congress to support $49 billion in #funding for the NIH and $7.766 billion for the NCI.
Let’s save lives through #CancerResearch!
#CancerVoice22
It's not too late to join us for the next Town Hall event in our series! Learn about shared decision-making and your immunotherapy choices from leading oncologists.
Register now: https://bit.ly/ImmunotherapyTownHall
#kidneycan #immunotherapy #townhall #livingwithcancer #cancerlife #kidneycancer #patienteducation
It's not too late to register for our next Town Hall event! Learn about immunotherapy choices for #kidneycancer treatment from leading oncologists. We'll have Dr. Naomi Haas from Penn Medicine, Dr. Hans Hammers from UTSW, and Dr. Monty Pal from City of Hope.
📅 Tues, April 26
🕔 5:00 PM EDT
💻 Free Webinar via Zoom
Register now! https://bit.ly/ImmunotherapyTownHall
#kidneycan #livingwithcancer #cancerlife #patienteducation #empoweredpatient #shareddecisionmaking
Reminder! Our next patient education town hall will explore immunotherapy options for #kidneycancer patients.
📅 April 26th
🕔 5:00 pm ET
💻 via Zoom webinar
Register here: https://bit.ly/ImmunotherapyTownHall
Featuring Drs. Naomi Haas of UPenn, Hans Hammers of UTSW, and Monty Pal of City of Hope. Join us to hear this panel of leading expert oncologists discuss how they share the immunotherapy decision-making process with their patients.
Researchers! KidneyCAN is accepting abstracts for the 2022 Kidney Cancer Research Summit on October 6-7 in Philadelphia, PA.
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this incredible meeting for #kidneycancer specialists.
Abstract submission guidelines and full details here: http://bit.ly/KCRS22Abstracts
#kidneycancerresearch #cancerresearch #kcsm
Another educational opportunity for #KidneyCancer patients!
Learn from some of the nation's top doctors at Yale Cancer Center. Tomorrow night (Thursday) at 7:00 PM ET.
Register: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1uI0atogTR2VKcFC_W78Fg
Hear the latest in kidney cancer care, emerging therapies and general wellness from Dr. Thomas Hutson DO, Pharm.D., FACP of Texas Oncology and a panel of experts at @curetoday's Educated Patient® Kidney Cancer Summit on Saturday, April 9th .
Connect with the kidney cancer community and empower your own journey!
Learn more and reserve your virtual seat:
http://ow.ly/weVJ50Ivtjy
#educatedpatient #kidneycancer
We continue to honor the caregivers in our community during #KidneyCancerAwareness month. Tracy shares her insightful perspective along with the decisions she and her wife Julie had to make when facing a diagnosis.
Read more:
https://kidneycan.org/tracys-story-a-caregivers-perspective/
#kidneycancer #caregiving #cancerlife #livingwithcancer #caregiving #KCAM
