During Kidney Cancer Awareness Month in March, the team at Urology Specialists is working to educate our patients and community members about kidney cancer, which is among the 10 most common cancers in the U.S. In 2023, it is estimated that there will be more than 80,000 new cases of kidney cancer. Urology Specialists encourages everyone to discuss their risk and the warning signs of kidney cancer with a urologist.
As with other urologic cancers, early detection of kidney cancer often leads to more positive outcomes. Most kidney cancers do not cause pain or other symptoms in early stages, and routine screenings to detect early kidney cancer are not available. However, imaging tests may be recommended for people at high risk for the disease, so it is crucial to discuss personal risk with a urologist or health care provider.
People with a family history of kidney cancer are at a higher risk for kidney cancer. Most people diagnosed with kidney cancer are adults over the age of 60. Men are twice as likely to have kidney cancer than women, and the disease is more common in Black, American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Additionally, exposure to certain chemicals, especially trichloroethylene, can increase a person’s risk of kidney cancer.
Urologists are an essential part of a kidney cancer care team, who support patients by treating kidney cancer and helping to best preserve kidney function. If someone is diagnosed with kidney cancer, a urologist will typically work as part of a patient’s care team to tailor treatment plans based on each individual patient’s needs. For example, surgery may be the best option for some patients, while others may never need it.
“It is essential for patients to understand not only their risk for kidney cancer, but also their options
for treatment,” said Evan Goldfischer, M.D., president of LUGPA. “As independent urology practices,
our members work to establish trusting relationships with patients and provide them with a level of personalized and responsive care that is unmatched.”
Every person deserves access to high-quality, cost-effective care to prevent and treat kidney cancer. Expert urologists at Urology Specialists provide services in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa to help you understand risk factors, prevent, diagnose and treat kidney cancer. For more information on kidney cancer, give us a call at (605) 336-0635.
About LUGPA
LUGPA is the only nonprofit urology trade association in the US. Since its founding in 2008, LUGPA
has earned national recognition in the pursuit of its mission to preserve and advance the independent practice of urology while demonstrating quality and value to patients, vendors, thirdparty payors, legislators and regulatory agencies. The robust resources LUGPA provides help member groups to meet the challenges of independent practice in today’s rapidly changing healthcare marketplace. For more information, visit www.lugpa.org.