Hearing the words “kidney cancer” can be unsettling, but it’s important to know that there is hope — and you are in good hands. At Advanced Urology Centers of New York (AUCNY), our doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating kidney cancer with compassion and expertise.

The encouraging news is that kidney cancer is often treatable, especially when caught early. In fact, the 5-year survival rate ranges from 70% to 93%, depending on when it’s diagnosed. Our team is here not only to provide the most advanced treatments available, but also to guide and support you through every step of your care.

Whether you are focused on prevention and early detection or have already received a diagnosis, we are committed to working closely with you — and, when needed, your primary care physician — to create a plan that helps you feel informed, supported, and confident in your treatment.

Kidney cancer begins in one of the two kidneys, which are located in your lower back on either side of the spine. The kidneys filter waste from the blood and produce urine. Kidney cancer is one of the more common cancers, with a lifetime risk of about 2% for men and 1% for women. While most cases occur in adults, kidney cancer can affect people of any age.

While the exact cause is not always known, several factors can increase your risk, including:

  • Smoking

  • Obesity

  • High blood pressure, even if controlled

  • Family history of kidney cancer or certain inherited conditions

  • Exposure to specific chemicals

  • Ethnicity (risk can be higher in certain groups)

  • Long-term dialysis for advanced kidney disease

  • Certain medications

Risk also increases with age, but kidney cancer can occur in both younger and older adults.

Kidney cancer may not cause symptoms in its earliest stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

  • Blood in the urine

  • Persistent back pain on one side (not caused by injury)

  • Loss of appetite

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Ongoing fatigue

  • Fever not linked to infection

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor promptly for evaluation.

If you notice blood in your urine, persistent back or side pain, or any of the other symptoms listed above, don’t ignore them. While these signs don’t always mean kidney cancer, they do signal that something in your urinary system needs attention.

Reaching out to your doctor early can make a big difference in protecting your health. The specialists at AUCNY are here to evaluate your symptoms, provide clear answers, and guide you toward the right care.

Your AUCNY urologist will take the time to understand your full health picture and may recommend one or more of the following tests:

  • Medical history and physical exam – including review of symptoms, family history, lifestyle, and a physical exam with emphasis on the kidney and bladder areas

  • Blood and urine testing – to check for signs of abnormal kidney function or cancer

  • Imaging tests – such as CT, MRI, PET scans, or intravenous pyelogram (IVP), which use contrast dye and X-rays to show the kidneys, ureters, and bladder

  • Biopsy – removal of a small tissue sample to confirm the presence and type of cancer

If you are diagnosed with kidney cancer, your AUCNY physician will discuss the best treatment options for your individual case. Treatments may include:

  • Surgery – removal of the tumor or, in some cases, the entire kidney

  • Ablation therapies – such as cryoablation (freezing cancer cells) or radiofrequency ablation (using heat to destroy them)

  • Targeted or systemic medications – chemotherapy or other drug therapies to shrink or control tumors

  • Immunotherapy – treatments that strengthen your immune system to help fight cancer

  • Radiation therapy – provided in collaboration with our colleagues at Advanced Radiation Centers of New York (ARC), offering state-of-the-art radiation treatments at convenient locations near you

Your Health, Our Commitment

At AUCNY, we understand that a kidney cancer diagnosis affects more than just your health — it touches every part of your life. That’s why our care goes beyond treating the disease. Our urologists and dedicated care team are here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of your treatment journey. With compassion, respect, and the highest standard of expertise, we partner with you to make sure you feel supported, informed, and never alone in your care.

Your Health, Our Commitment

At AUCNY, we understand that a kidney cancer diagnosis affects more than just your health — it touches every part of your life. That’s why our care goes beyond treating the disease. Our urologists and dedicated care team are here to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of your treatment journey. With compassion, respect, and the highest standard of expertise, we partner with you to make sure you feel supported, informed, and never alone in your care.