Kidney cancer cases are rapidly increasing across the globe—and India has emerged as one of the top countries affected. The country currently ranks fourth in the world in terms of kidney cancer incidence, following China, the United States, and Russia. In 2025 alone, India reported 17,480 new cases, as per estimates by GLOBOCAN, a global cancer data agency.What’s particularly concerning is that the disease is no longer confined to a specific demographic. Kidney cancer is now being diagnosed across all age groups, regardless of gender or lifestyle choices. Experts note that while urological cancers in general are seeing a rise, kidney cancer in particular is spreading at an alarming pace. This makes awareness and timely screening more critical than ever.Know the Risk FactorsA range of lifestyle and environmental factors increase the risk of developing kidney cancer. Tobacco and alcohol use are among the most significant contributors. Obesity and high blood pressure—two conditions often linked with sedentary lifestyles—also play a major role.Additionally, long-term exposure to certain chemicals such as asbestos, benzene, cadmium, and trichloroethylene can elevate the risk. People who work in industrial environments or in occupations with frequent chemical exposure should be especially cautious. Those with chronic kidney disease, patients on long-term dialysis, and individuals with a family history of kidney cancer are also more vulnerable.Interestingly, the disease is significantly more common in developing nations, and the number of cases worldwide is expected to rise steeply by 2030.Higher Prevalence in Men and the Aging PopulationStatistically, men are affected by kidney cancer at nearly twice the rate of women, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. While the highest number of cases occurs in individuals over the age of 70, the trend is shifting. Increasingly, younger adults in their 30s and 40s are being diagnosed, likely due to changing lifestyle patterns and environmental exposure.Symptoms That Should Not Be IgnoredEarly detection of kidney cancer is often difficult because the disease rarely causes symptoms in its initial stages. However, certain signs—if persistent—should raise concern:Blood in the urine – Frequently mistaken for infection or dehydration.Constant pain in the flank area – On one or both sides of the lower back.Noticeable lump or swelling – In the lower back or side region.Unexplained fever – Triggered by substances released by the tumor.Appetite loss and sudden weight loss – Occurring without any lifestyle change.These symptoms can easily be overlooked or misattributed, which is why awareness is crucial.The Importance of Early and Routine ScreeningMost kidney cancers are discovered incidentally—often during ultrasounds or CT scans done for unrelated issues. When caught early, treatment outcomes can be significantly improved. Minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic or robotic partial nephrectomy allow surgeons to remove the tumor while preserving kidney function.Technologies like intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) help in real-time mapping of the tumor and surrounding blood vessels during surgery, enabling safer and more precise procedures. Robotic surgery adds another layer of precision with its 3D visualization and enhanced control.In recent years, targeted therapies and immunotherapy have revolutionized the way advanced kidney cancer is treated, offering hope for improved survival and better quality of life.Why Screenings Should Begin at 40Although most kidney cancers appear between the ages of 50 and 70, cellular changes can begin much earlier. That’s why regular kidney health screenings are strongly advised starting at age 40. Annual imaging tests—particularly for those with a family history or other risk factors—can detect tumors at a stage when they are still small, localized, and easier to treat.In the face of rising cases, timely detection and increased awareness are the most effective weapons in combating kidney cancer. With medical technologies and treatment options advancing rapidly, early diagnosis could make all the difference.