World Kidney Cancer Day, observed on June 20th this year, is more important than ever. Because Kidney Cancer is a significant health concern in which Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) amounts to 85% of kidney tumour cases. While Asia shows a lower occurrence, India is a prominent area, largely due to unreported cases.
With healthcare advancements, improved diagnostic facilities have increased and so is life expectancy. But one of the risk factors for kidney cancer like obesity also has increased amongst the population.
Thus, the occurrence of this kidney disease is projected to rise. Picture this with the burden of this disease. Currently, the yearly incidence of kidney cancer is approximately 16,861 cases in India, with a 5-year prevalence of 2.84 per 100,000 population.
Thus, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) have rightly proposed the theme for 2024 which focuses on 'listening'.
This day aims to emphasise the critical role of attentive healthcare practices and patient-doctor communication in the fight against kidney cancer. By understanding and addressing the nuances of kidney tumour, we can remarkably improve early detection and treatment outcomes.
In this blog post, we uncover the importance of listening to our bodies and our healthcare providers.
Before that, let's quickly get an overview of kidney cancer.
Understanding Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer, specifically RCC, originates in the renal cortex, which is the outer part of the kidney, where filtration of blood occurs.
Kidney cancer mostly occurs after 50 years of age and the range can go up to 70 and extend to 80 as well.
But how does one know what kidney cancer feels like?
Well, it is quite strange to know that kidney cancer has been identified mostly by incidental diagnosis. In most cases, the incidental diagnosis accounts for 33% while ranking in 2nd position is the blood in urine with 28% and 24% of patients complain about belly pain as a symptom.
The other common signs and symptoms of kidney cancer include persistent back or side pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and intermittent fever.
So, can kidney cancer be detected in a blood test?
While the ‘blood in urine’ symptom tells you that it is an indicator, kidney cancer doctors will not consider it as the sole indicator of the renal tumour.
This is because it is also a common symptom of Cancer of the bladder, Infection or of the bladder, kidney, prostate, or urethra, Injury to the bladder or kidney, Kidney or bladder stones, Kidney failure, and Polycystic kidney disease. Thus, it needs further confirmatory tests like the CT scan and Ultrasound scan.
And like other cancer diseases in the human body, it is vital to know and understand kidney cancer also develops in stages and degrees. The advantage of this type of growth can be leveraged by allowing ourselves to undergo regular health checkups and detect kidney cancer at an early stage.
Further, one of the common myths that uro-oncologists at NU Hospitals observe in patients is that they assume chemotherapy is the only kidney cancer treatment. And expert doctors who deal with kidney cancer explain that not every cancer case requires chemotherapy, as major diseases can be managed with surgery alone.
Thus, it is important to understand how effective communication i.e. listening and shared decision-making between patients and doctors can lead to better health outcomes.
- The Importance of Listening
As we understand the symptoms of kidney cancer and how it is diagnosed, listening plays a vital role in early detection and treatment. There are two main aspects to consider:- Listening to Your Body Our bodies often give indirect signals when something is wrong. Symptoms like blood in the urine or persistent back pain should not be dismissed as a result of stress. Periodic health check-ups can aid in detecting any abnormalities at an early stage or can even catch hidden symptoms.
- Listening to Medical Advice Thoroughly following medical advice and treatment plans is essential for the effective management of any kidney disease including renal cancer. This includes following through with prescribed diagnostic tests, treatments, and lifestyle changes. This helps in planning various treatment modalities.
- Listening to Your Body Our bodies often give indirect signals when something is wrong. Symptoms like blood in the urine or persistent back pain should not be dismissed as a result of stress. Periodic health check-ups can aid in detecting any abnormalities at an early stage or can even catch hidden symptoms.
- Shared Decision-Making Between Patients and Doctors
Let’s understand what shared decision-making means. To combat kidney cancer and other diseases, conditions or disorders in that respect, doctors at NU Hospitals urge and encourage a collaborative process between patients and doctors in the decision-making process regarding treatment options. This approach ensures that patients are fully informed about their condition and the available treatment options.Further, the patient’s preferences and values can be considered in the treatment plan.Benefits of Shared Decision-Making
- Patient Satisfaction Increases: If the patients are actively involved in the decision-making process, they can fully experience satisfaction with their treatment choices.
- Empowerment Through Information: Educating patients about their condition and treatment options empowers them to make informed decisions. This helps in reducing uncertainty and any anxious feelings a patient or their family member might have.Further, specialists at NU Hospitals encourage patients to have a 2nd opinion of their condition for better satisfaction and authentication.
Patient Review of Urology Specialist Dr. Nagarujna Reddy at NU Hospitals, Bengaluru
Patient Review of Urology Specialist Dr. Maneesh Sinha at NU Hospitals, Bengaluru - Improved Treatment Outcomes: When patients understand their condition and the treatment plan in a non-complicated and easy way, they are more likely to adhere to it, leading to better health outcomes.
- Patient Satisfaction Increases: If the patients are actively involved in the decision-making process, they can fully experience satisfaction with their treatment choices.
- How Patients Can Effectively Communicate with Healthcare Providers
- Ask Questions: Before your appointment, feel free to ask questions or concerns you have about your condition and treatment options.
- Be Honest: Share all relevant information about your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history with your doctor.
- Seek Clarification If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. It’s important to fully grasp your diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Express Your Preferences: Communicate your preferences and concerns regarding treatment options to ensure your doctor and their team can consider them in your care plan.
- Ask Questions: Before your appointment, feel free to ask questions or concerns you have about your condition and treatment options.
Conclusion
World Kidney Cancer Day on June 20th, 2024, serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of listening and effective communication in the fight against kidney cancer. By paying attention to the signals our bodies send, adhering to medical advice, and engaging in shared decision-making with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers, we can improve early detection and treatment outcomes for RCC.
