Kidney cancer
Last updated: 26 Jan. 2026
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the Elfcare quality team
Feeling more tired than usual or noticing changes in your energy levels? Sometimes, small shifts like these can be early signs that your body needs attention. The kidneys, two small but powerful organs, play a vital role in keeping your blood clean and balanced.
Kidney cancer develops quietly, often without symptoms in its early stages. Many people live with mild or vague signs for months or years without realising something is changing inside their body.
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What is kidney cancer?
Kidney cancer occurs when certain cells in the kidneys start to grow and divide in an unusual way. Normally, kidney cells help filter waste from the blood, balance fluids, and regulate hormones that control blood pressure and red blood cell production.
When these cells become damaged or start behaving abnormally, they can form a growth called a tumor. The most common type is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which starts in the lining of small tubes inside the kidney.
Your kidneys quietly support many essential functions every day. When their balance is disrupted, your body’s ability to filter toxins and maintain energy can be affected, often without obvious warning signs at first.
Symptoms of kidney cancer
Kidney cancer symptoms can be subtle, especially in the early stages. Regular testing helps you spot changes early and understand what they mean for your health.
Common symptoms:
Blood in the urine (even small amounts can change colour)
Persistent fatigue or low energy
Lower back or side pain (below the ribs)
Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
Swelling in the ankles or feet
A lump or mass in the abdomen
Less common or long-term signs:
Fever not linked to infection
Night sweats
High blood pressure that’s hard to control
Because these symptoms overlap with many other kidney or urinary conditions, it can be hard to tell what’s happening without testing. That’s why testing is so important, it brings clarity.
What causes kidney cancer?
There isn’t one single cause of kidney cancer. Instead, it often develops due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Common contributing factors include:
Smoking: Chemicals in tobacco can affect kidney cell DNA over time.
High blood pressure: Long-term strain on the kidneys can damage their filtering ability.
Obesity: Excess body fat can alter hormone and insulin levels, influencing cell growth.
Genetic predisposition: Family history or certain inherited conditions may increase risk.
Long-term medication use: Some pain relievers or drugs processed by the kidneys can contribute to cellular stress.
Chronic kidney disease: Prolonged kidney inflammation can lead to structural changes in kidney tissue.
Understanding what causes kidney cancer helps you focus on what you can manage – maintaining balance, reducing strain, and staying proactive with regular health checks.
How is kidney cancer detected?
Kidney health can be assessed early through a combination of blood tests, urine tests, and imaging. Regular blood tests are one of the simplest ways to track changes that may signal kidney stress.
Key biomarkers measured in blood tests:
Creatinine: Reflects how efficiently your kidneys filter waste.
Urea (BUN): Indicates how well your body removes nitrogen-based waste.
eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate): Estimates overall kidney function.
Electrolytes (sodium, potassium): Show how well your kidneys balance minerals.
Calcium: May be elevated when certain kidney tumors alter hormone activity.
LDH and CRP: Can indicate inflammation or tissue stress.
Urine tests can also detect microscopic blood or protein changes that point to kidney imbalances.
Elfcare’s blood tests measure these essential biomarkers so you can spot early changes in kidney function before they start affecting your energy, hydration, or daily wellbeing.
Why early detection matters
Kidney cancer and other kidney conditions often develop slowly and quietly. Early detection gives you time to take small, meaningful steps such as improving hydration, maintaining a balanced diet, managing blood pressure, and discussing results with your doctor.
With consistent monitoring, you can maintain healthy kidney function and support long-term metabolic and hormonal balance. Early awareness is about staying connected to your body, not waiting for symptoms to appear.
How Elfcare can help
Elfcare’s preventive health checks include detailed kidney and metabolic panels that assess biomarkers like creatinine, eGFR, urea, and electrolytes. These results help you understand how well your kidneys are filtering and balancing vital nutrients.
We focus on awareness, not diagnosis. Your results are a starting point for understanding your health better and having more informed conversations with your healthcare provider.
Curious about your kidney health? Elfcare’s blood tests help you understand what’s happening inside your body early, so you can act with clarity and confidence.
Summary
Kidney cancer can develop silently, but your body often shows subtle signs long before major changes occur. Regular testing helps reveal those signals early, allowing you to stay proactive about your health.
When you understand your body, you can make small, informed choices that support your energy, focus, and long-term wellbeing. Awareness is power and it starts with knowing your numbers.
Last updated: 26 Jan. 2026
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the quality team at Elfcare
FAQs
What is kidney cancer?
Kidney cancer occurs when certain cells in the kidneys begin to grow and divide in an abnormal way. These cells can form a tumour that interferes with the kidneys’ ability to filter waste, balance fluids, and regulate hormones. The most common form is renal cell carcinoma, which often develops quietly without early warning signs.
What are the most common symptoms of kidney cancer?
Early kidney cancer often causes subtle or vague symptoms that are easy to overlook. Common signs include persistent fatigue, blood in the urine, lower back or side pain, and unexplained weight loss. Because these symptoms overlap with many other conditions, they are often not recognised as serious at first.
How is kidney cancer detected?
Kidney cancer is detected through a combination of blood tests, urine tests, and imaging such as ultrasound or CT scans. Blood biomarkers like creatinine, eGFR, urea, and electrolytes can reveal early signs of kidney stress or reduced function. Regular testing helps identify changes long before major symptoms appear.
Can kidney cancer be treated or managed?
Yes, kidney cancer can often be treated effectively, especially when detected early. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the tumour and may include monitoring, surgery, or other medical approaches. Early detection greatly improves outcomes and allows for more treatment options.