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Renal Cell Carcinoma
Disease Information
Genentech BioOncology is dedicated to advancing the science of renal cell carcinoma therapy through comprehensive research programs and education. Renal cell carcinoma forms in the renal microtubules that filter blood and remove waste products.1
Renal Cell Cancer Statistics
- In 2010, an estimated 58,240 Americans were diagnosed with renal cancer. Of these diagnoses, 92% were renal cell carcinoma, 7% were renal pelvis carcinoma, and 7% were Wilms tumor, a childhood cancer2
- Since 1975, incidence of kidney cancer has increased by 1.8% each year in men and 2.4% in women2
- Renal cancer mortality in 2010 was about 13,040. Death rates for renal cancer have been decreasing2
- Mortality in women has decreased by 0.6% per year since 19922
- Mortality in men has decreased by 1.5% per year since 20022
Renal Cell Cancer Epidemiology
- Risk factors include smoking; obesity; hypertension; workplace exposure to asbestos, cadmium, certain herbicides, benzene, and organic solvents; male gender (possibly related to smoking and workplace exposure to toxins); advanced renal disease; and family history of renal cell carcinoma3
- Certain rare hereditary diseases greatly increase the risk of renal cancer (von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome, and renal oncocytoma)3
- The 5-year relative survival rate for renal cell carcinoma is 70%2
Renal Cell Cancer Symptoms
Early renal cancer usually has no symptoms. As the tumor progresses, it may cause hematuria, a pain or lump in the lower back or abdomen, fatigue, weight loss, fever, or edema in the legs and ankles.2
Other links to renal cell carcinoma disease information
These links give a sampling of other sites offering information on renal cell carcinoma, which you may find useful in your practice.
- National Cancer Institute at National Institutes of Health, Kidney Cancer
- ASCO Cancer Portals - Genitourinary Cancers
- Cancer Facts & Figures
Unless otherwise indicated, Genentech, Inc. is neither affiliated with nor endorses any of the organizations listed.
References:
- 1.
- US Department of Health and Human Services. National Cancer Institute. www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/kidney. Accessed April 13, 2011.
- 2.
- American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2010. www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@epidemiologysurveilance/
documents/document/acspc-026238.pdf. Accessed April 14, 2011. - 3.
- US Department of Health and Human Services. National Cancer Institute Web site. www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/kidney/page4. Accessed April 13, 2011.