Experts are advising the public to be aware of subtle warning signs for kidney cancer, as data reveals a significant increase in diagnoses among individuals under 50. According to new figures from NHS England, cases of kidney cancer in this age group rose by 12% between 2023 and 2024, with diagnoses climbing from 1,095 to 1,227.
Historically, kidney cancer has been more prevalent in older populations, with approximately three-quarters of diagnoses occurring in individuals over 60. However, experts note a gradual, ongoing rise in cases among younger adults, the cause of which remains unclear.
A significant challenge in diagnosing kidney cancer, particularly in younger patients, is that its early symptoms can be easily mistaken for less serious conditions. Andrew Greaves, general manager of the charity Kidney Cancer UK, stated that the disease is "notoriously so" easy to miss. Many of the warning signs, such as back pain, night sweats, and general fatigue, can be attributed to more common ailments.
Kidney cancer is among 18 types of cancer that have seen an increase in diagnoses among those under 50 between 2023 and 2024. While mesothelioma, prostate, small intestine, bone sarcoma, and pancreatic cancers also showed increases, kidney cancer affects more young Britons than these other five combined.
Adding to the concern, kidney cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. About one in five patients discover they have the disease only when it has reached stage four, significantly reducing survival chances. For those diagnosed at this late stage, the five-year survival rate drops to just 15%.
Commonly reported symptoms include pain in the back, side, or flank, which can be misdiagnosed as muscle strain or a trapped nerve. Mr. Greaves noted that about one-third of patients experience this pain before diagnosis. Persistent fatigue is reported by around a quarter of patients, and night sweats by roughly one in six.
The most distinct indicator, blood in the urine, is a known red flag for kidney cancer but can also be caused by factors like intense exercise or certain medications. Mr. Greaves highlighted that symptoms can be vague, leading some doctors to misattribute them to other conditions, such as menopause in women. "Even if you said, I've got all four of those symptoms, it could still be highly unlikely that it's kidney cancer, but it might be," he said.
The subtle nature of these symptoms presents a challenge for general practitioners, who may initially treat patients for other conditions. Mr. Greaves indicated that roughly a quarter of surveyed patients reported being treated for a different illness before their kidney cancer diagnosis.
While the precise reasons for the increase in kidney cancer among younger adults are not fully understood, one possibility is the increased detection of cancers through scans performed for unrelated health issues. More than half of kidney cancers are now discovered incidentally during scans for other problems.
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, stated that the health service is committed to "all we can to get people seen and treated for cancer as early as possible." He urged individuals to accept invitations for screening programs and to contact their GP promptly if they have concerns about potential cancer symptoms.