Kidney cancer is cancer that begins in the kidneys—two bean shaped organs, about the size of your fist, located on each side of the spine and behind abdominal organs. There are several types of kidney cancer, with the most common being renal cell carcinoma in adults and Wilms tumor kidney cancer in children. There are unfortunately no cures for kidney cancer, but there are kidney tumor treatments and medications such as Avelumab dosage, Inlyta in combination with Keytruda, and Nivolumab. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, you may require surgery to remove all or part of the affected kidney, ablation, immunotherapy, and various other treatments. In some cases, like those needing stage 4 renal cell carcinoma treatment, patients may opt for private kidney cancer treatment for a more comfortable experience. Like many types of cancer, the earlier you catch it, the higher chances of treatment being effective. Here are 5 early warning signs of kidney cancer to look out for:

1. Blood in the urine
Blood in the urine, also known as haematuria, is the most common symptom of kidney cancer. Your urine may appear pink, red, or cola colored. The blood may not be there every time and can come and go, sometimes it may not be seen by the naked eye and requires a urine test, but if you ever notice blood, you should visit your healthcare provider immediately.

2. Loss of appetite
You may lose your appetite with kidney cancer if a tumor has grown on or around parts of the gastrointestinal tract. This may occur as an interference with the intake of food, cause trouble swallowing, or make you feel full even if you haven’t eaten.

3. Unexplained weight loss
If you are losing weight without actively trying to, this is a raise for concern. Cancer cells consume more energy than healthy cells, causing you to burn more calories than usual. Additionally, these cells release substances that impact how your body uses calories from the food you consume, which can also contribute to weight loss. If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss, be sure to talk to your doctor.

4. Tiredness/fatigue
Chronic tiredness or fatigue can be a sign of kidney cancer. As your body works to fight against cancer cells, it uses a lot of energy. What’s more, individuals with kidney cancer can also develop anemia (low red blood cell count), which further contributes to tiredness or fatigue.

5. Constant pain in your back or side
If you’re experiencing pain in your back or side (not caused by injury), this can be a sign of kidney cancer. If a large tumor has grown, it can affect other organs, thus causing pain and pressure on the back or side. This usually occurs later in kidney cancer, once the tumor has grown larger than 3 centimeters.