Thursday 18 June 2026 is World Kidney Cancer Day, a global moment led by the International Kidney Cancer Coalition, and this year marks its tenth anniversary. It is a day for raising awareness, sharing reliable information, and reminding anyone affected by kidney cancer that they are not alone. We wanted to mark it by sharing the signs worth knowing and where to turn for trusted support.
Table of contents
What kidney cancer is
Kidney cancer is one of the more common cancers in the UK, and like many cancers it is most treatable when it is found early. It often causes no symptoms at all in its early stages and is frequently picked up by chance during tests for something else. That is part of why awareness days like this one matter, because knowing what to look for can help people raise concerns sooner.
Signs and symptoms of kidney cancer
According to the NHS, many people with kidney cancer have no obvious symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include:
- blood in your pee
- a lump or swelling in your back, under your ribs, or in your neck
- a pain between your ribs and waist that does not go away
- losing weight without trying to, or a loss of appetite
- feeling tired or having no energy
- a high temperature, or heavy sweating including at night
It is important to remember that these symptoms are common and are far more often caused by something other than cancer. Having them does not mean you have kidney cancer, but it is always worth getting them checked.
When to see your GP
The NHS advises seeing a GP if you notice blood in your pee, a lump or swelling, or a pain in your back or side that does not go away. You should ask for an urgent appointment, or contact NHS 111, if your pee has blood in it or it becomes painful or much more frequent. Finding kidney cancer early really can make a difference to how treatable it is, so please do not put off that conversation.
This year’s focus: emotional wellbeing
The theme for World Kidney Cancer Day 2026 is kidney cancer and emotional wellbeing. The International Kidney Cancer Coalition reports that, in its 2025 global patient survey, 85% of kidney cancer patients said they had experienced emotional challenges, yet many never raised this with their care team. A diagnosis affects far more than the body, and asking for emotional support is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you are struggling, your team would far rather know.
#WorldKidneyCancerDay
Download the World Kidney Cancer Day info sheet HERE
Where to find support
You do not have to face kidney cancer, or the worry of it, on your own. The NHS has clear information on diagnosis and treatment, Kidney Cancer UK offers a support line, counselling and financial advice, and Macmillan Cancer Support provides wide-ranging help for anyone living with cancer. You can read more about the global campaign at worldkidneycancerday.org. For more patient-written information, visit our Patient Knowledge Bank and our research and news pages.
Awareness days like this one are quietly powerful. Knowing the signs, and feeling able to speak up, can change the course of someone’s health. This World Kidney Cancer Day we want people to know both the symptoms to watch for and that support is always there, for the worry as much as the diagnosis.
Guy Hill, Chair of MRIKPA
If today has raised questions or worries for you, please speak to your GP or renal team, who are the right people to advise on your own health. And if you would simply like to talk to others who understand life with kidney disease, you are always welcome to reach out to us at support@mrikpa.org.uk or on 07745 242 684.
Sources: NHS, Symptoms of kidney cancer (nhs.uk); International Kidney Cancer Coalition, World Kidney Cancer Day 2026 (ikcc.org). World Kidney Cancer Day takes place on 18 June 2026.
This article is provided for general information and awareness purposes only and was believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. It is not intended as medical advice. Please always consult your doctor or renal team for guidance on your individual circumstances. Images used are for illustration purposes only and may not be medically or editorially accurate. While we take every care, errors can occur. If you spot an inaccuracy, please let us know at support@mrikpa.org.uk.
