Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
A woman who was unknowingly battling stage 4 kidney cancer revealed she mistook a subtle warning sign for menopause symptoms. She now encourages others to seek timely medical evaluations. Recognizing early symptoms of kidney cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Ignoring Symptoms: A Stage 4 Kidney Cancer Story
Louise experienced elevated blood pressure, initially attributed to menopause—a natural reduction in reproductive hormones typically occurring in women during their 40s or 50s, as defined by the National Health Service (NHS). This assumption almost led to a serious outcome, a risk she is now cautioning others to avoid. Recognizing potential warning signs is critical for early detection of serious health conditions such as renal cancer.
Understanding Kidney Cancer (Renal Cancer)
Kidney cancer, alternately termed renal cancer, ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer in the UK. Originating within the renal system, the kidneys are bean-shaped organs situated on either side of the spine, below the ribcage. Their essential function involves filtering waste and surplus fluid from the bloodstream, producing urine as a result.
Frequently, kidney cancer lacks distinct manifestations and surfaces incidentally during investigations for unrelated health issues. Speaking on Kidney Cancer UK’s TikTok channel, Louise recounted: “Symptoms are regrettably ambiguous, especially for women, encompassing elevated blood pressure, night sweats, blood in urine, and flank pain. General practitioners often link these to menopause.”
The Importance of Self-Awareness and Regular Check-Ups
Therefore, Louise emphasized the significance of “routinely examining your body”. She elaborated: “How long have those persistent discomforts been present? Get them assessed—it’s invariably better to be cautious than to regret it later!”
Describing her experience, Louise noted “high blood pressure but unseen blood” in her urine. She shared: “I was fortunate that routine blood tests identified a problem with my liver, prompting an ultrasound.”
“I’ve now undergone two significant surgeries to remove cancer and my kidney within the past 15 months. I’m currently three weeks post-open surgery and recovering favorably.”
“The update that all biopsies returned as non-cancerous has been incredible. I’m presently on steroids due to toxicity arising from immunotherapy, which means discontinuing Pembro [Pembrolizumab, a class of immunotherapy]. I only had two more sessions scheduled, and halting treatment is a relief. Now, I can recuperate and proceed with enjoying my life.”
She further remarked in the video caption: “My cancer was the most aggressive at grade 4, so there will perpetually be a heightened possibility of recurrence. However, medications and research are consistently evolving, and I trust that surveillance scans will assist us in addressing any abnormalities promptly!”
Recognizing Potential Symptoms of Kidney Cancer
While kidney cancer frequently presents without symptoms, the NHS indicates the following potential indicators should they emerge:
- Blood in urine
- A noticeable swelling or lump in your back, under your ribs, or in your neck
- Persistent discomfort between your ribs and waist
- Unexplained loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss
- Persistent fatigue or lack of energy
- Recurring high temperature
- Excessive sweating, particularly during nighttime
When to Seek Medical Advice
The NHS advises consulting your general practitioner (GP) if you observe substantial weight loss, experience a persistent high temperature, or suffer from extreme, ongoing fatigue.
It’s crucial to understand that these symptoms are typical and their presence does not definitively confirm kidney cancer. Nonetheless, it is vital to have them evaluated by a GP, as early identification enhances the likelihood of successful treatment.
For free support from Kidney Cancer UK’s support line, call 0800 009 2009.