Kidney cancer continues to be diagnosed at relatively high rates, but innovations in care are helping more patients survive and thrive with less physical impact from treatment.   Approximately 80,000 new cases of kidney cancer are reported each year in the U.S. While it’s more common in men, anyone can develop the condition.   “Kidney cancer is among the 10 most frequently diagnosed cancers for both men and women,” says Eric Singer, MD, MA, MS, chief of the Division of Urologic Oncology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).   While diagnoses remain high, decades of research and advancements in care and health screening have led to earlier detection and less invasive treatments, with some patients avoiding surgery altogether.   Kidney cancer risk factors   While the exact causes of kidney cancer are unknown, researchers have identified multiple factors that may indicate higher risk.   “Risk factors for kidney cancer include obesity, smoking, some toxic environmental exposure and family history,” Singer says. “For some patients, family history can include multiple generations of people having kidney cancer.”   Patients with family histories of kidney cancer could benefit from genetic counseling, which may uncover hereditary conditions that increase risk. That info can also lead to testing and possible intervention for additional family members.   Kidney cancer care at Ohio State: The James’ dedicated team of experts specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney cancer, and the support of patients and their families.   Kidney cancer symptoms   There are multiple signs of kidney cancer, but many patients are diagnosed before any of those symptoms become evident.   “Many years ago, patients presenting with kidney cancer often had abdominal masses, flank pain and blood in the urine,” Singer says. “These days, those symptoms are less common, as many kidney tumors are found incidentally because of imaging done for some other reason.”   Even though kidney cancer patients may not notice symptoms at early stages, it’s important that everyone learn the possible signs and see their doctors if they experience any of those issues. “If you're having pain or blood in the urine, please go see your doctor so they can evaluate you,” Singer says. More about cancer screening at Ohio State: World-class diagnostic tech and techniques are saving lives. Kidney cancer treatment and surveillance Kidney cancer care has grown over the years to include a wide range of surgical and therapeutic options, including surveillance methods that enable some patients to avoid complex procedures. “With active surveillance, we're using radiology tests to see if small kidney masses are growing over time to help determine if those tumors need to be treated,” Singer says. When further intervention is required, advances in technology and techniques allow dedicated kidney cancer specialists like those at the OSUCCC – James to perform the latest procedures, including surgeries and other, less invasive methods. “Our surgeons have expertise in complex procedures, including robotics, that benefit our patients, even those who have multiple tumors, hereditary syndromes or may need re-operative surgeries,” Singer says. Singer and his team work closely with OSUCCC – James interventional radiologists to perform ablation procedures — destroying tumor cells through heat, cold or other methods — which can significantly reduce the physical impact on patients. “Our interventional radiology partners are experts at performing thermal ablation such as cryoablation, radio frequency ablation, and microwave ablation,” Singer says. “These work percutaneously, meaning that they only need pinhole-size openings to destroy tumors.” “Our radiation oncology partners are also able to perform stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) with high dose radiation in properly selected patients.” Singer says. Why comprehensive kidney cancer care matters As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the OSUCCC – James combines care and research in the same facilities. That allows Singer and his team to provide kidney cancer patients and their families with a wide array of treatments and support services. “One of the key things after a kidney cancer diagnosis is to consider treatment at a high-volume Comprehensive Cancer Center like The James,” Singer says. “Our kidney cancer team is made up of urologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists. “Together, we're able to form personalized treatment plans to provide timely, compassionate care for small renal masses, locally-advanced diseases, metastatic kidney cancer, and even patients whose cancer has progressed or gotten worse after being on systemic therapies.” More about The James at Ohio State: Our multidisciplinary oncology experts work every day to create a cancer-free world through world-class care and research.