While your doctor usually asks the questions during an exam, you can take charge by asking the right questions about kidney cancer. Being proactive can make a big difference in the way you manage your health with kidney cancer. Your well-being is important to you and your doctor, so don't hesitate to inquire about your kidney cancer - diagnosis, symptoms, medication or other treatments, treatment side effects, whether complementary or alternative therapies might help, emotional issues, concerns about paying for your treatment, or diet and lifestyle considerations.

Engaging in a dialogue with your doctor will help educate you about kidney cancer and the treatments available to you, and it'll give your doctor a better sense of who you are and how kidney cancer is affecting your overall health and life. With the lines of communication open, you and your doctor will be able to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.

But remember, your time with your doctor is limited, so be sure to arrive at your appointment prepared to discuss kidney cancer and the questions that are important to you. Start by:

  • Researching kidney cancer. It's a good idea to get a better understanding of kidney cancer before your appointment. Through research, you'll probably be able to answer some of your own questions. Visit Everyday Health's Kidney Cancer Center, the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, and MedlinePlus.
  • Strategizing. Your family doctor may not be able to answer all your questions about kidney cancer; some questions may be better addressed by individual specialists, such as a urologist, a urologic surgeon, a medical oncologist, a nephrologist, or a radiation oncologist. Discuss this with your doctor, set up a protocol for addressing your concerns, and follow up with a specialist or do additional research, as directed by your doctor.
  • Note taking. Consider keeping a journal of your concerns about kidney cancer between doctor's visits, and share any relevant information with your doctor about symptoms like blood in your urine, unexplained weight loss, or loss of appetite. Let your doctor know if certain lifestyle changes are improving your symptoms, if you're experiencing any other complications related to your condition or treatment, or if you have any concerns about medications, such as side effects you may be experiencing. Additionally, taking notes or recording what your doctor says during your appointments will help you remember important details after your visit.

Kidney Cancer Causes, Testing, and Diagnosis

Kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers found in men and women. Most people diagnosed with kidney cancer are over the age of 45, but it can affect younger people and even children. The most prevalent type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma, also referred to as RCC, renal cell cancer, and renal cell adenocarcinoma, There are a number of subtypes of this cancer, including clear cell renal carcinoma, which is the form most often diagnosed. In addition to RCC, rarer forms of cancer - such as transitional cell carcinomas, Wilms' tumors, and renal sarcomas - can affect the kidneys.

Kidney cancer is often detected before it spreads beyond the kidneys, but because symptoms don't usually show up in the early stages, kidney cancer may not be found until it's at an advanced stage. If your doctor suspects that you're at risk for kidney cancer but you haven't been formally diagnosed, talk to your doctor about arranging diagnostic tests and evaluations. These may include lab studies, such as blood work and urinalysis; imaging studies such as ultrasounds, X-rays, computerized tomography (CT), nuclear medicine and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); and sometimes cystoscopy (to look inside your bladder). Biopsies are not commonly performed in diagnosing of kidney cancer.

Once you have a formal diagnosis, your doctor will give you information about your type of kidney cancer and discuss treatment options. Additional diagnostic tests may be recommended. The treatment for kidney cancer will depend on what type of kidney cancer you have, the stage of the cancer, your age and overall health, and your own treatment preferences. Your doctor and the rest of your kidney cancer treatment team will help you determine the best course of treatment for your condition. You will probably have some questions and concerns about your diagnosis and how kidney cancer will affect your health and your life. Consider asking your doctor the following:

  • What kinds of tests will determine if I have kidney cancer?
  • Is there anything I need to do to prepare for the diagnostic tests?
  • Will I need a kidney biopsy? If so, what will that involve?
  • What is the difference between an MRI and a CT scan?
  • What type of kidney cancer do I have?
  • Is the cancer confined to my kidney, or has it spread to any other part of my body?
  • What stage is my kidney cancer, and what's the prognosis?
  • What caused my kidney cancer?
  • Does kidney cancer put me at risk for complications such as liver function abnormalities or bone problems? How can I avoid such complications?
  • What kidney cancer treatment options are available?
  • What treatments do you recommend, and why?
  • Do I need surgery? If so, what type of surgery?
  • Would the surgery remove the tumor or a whole kidney? What does it involve?
  • What are the risks of surgery, and what is the typical recovery time?
  • What are the implications of living with one kidney?
  • If I need chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination, what should I know about these therapies?
  • What are the risks associated with these treatments?
  • How will my quality of life be affected by these treatments?
  • What do I need to do to prepare for these treatments? How much time should I expect to need for recovery between treatments?
  • What are the side effects associated with kidney cancer treatment?
  • What should I do if the side effects worsen, or if I experience new side effects?
  • How will my condition be monitored, and how will I know if the treatment is working?
  • What kind of follow-up tests should I expect after treatment, and how often will I need them?
  • Are you experienced in treating patients with kidney cancer?
  • What other kinds of specialists should be on my oncology team? Should I consider seeing a urologist, a urologic surgeon, a medical oncologist, a nephrologist, or a radiation oncologist?
  • If the kidney cancer treatment appears to be successful, what is the likelihood that the cancer will return?
  • Can I help prevent a recurrence?
  • Should I consider participating in clinical trials for patients who have kidney cancer? Why or why not?
  • What can I do to stay as healthy as possible during my treatment period?

Kidney Cancer Medications

Treatment for your condition will depend on the type and severity of your kidney cancer. Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage your symptoms and slow the progression of your disease, and it's important that you understand any medication regimen your doctor prescribes. Ask your doctor about the medication, read the insert the pharmacy includes with your prescription, and take the medication as directed by your physician. Knowing how your medication is supposed to work will help you evaluate its effectiveness and whether it's the right medication for you. It's also possible that you might have to take more than one medication at a time.

Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor about kidney cancer medications:

  • Will I need to take medication as part of my treatment?
  • What type of drug will you prescribe, and how does it work?
  • Where can I get more information about this drug?
  • When can I expect an improvement in my symptoms?
  • Has this medication been tested in people with kidney cancer? Are there any recent clinical studies on it?
  • Are there any side effects I should be aware of?
  • Is this drug habit-forming?
  • Could this medication interact negatively with other medications I'm taking?
  • Can other conditions interfere with or be affected by my medication?

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

In addition to the primary treatments your doctor recommends, you may consider complementary or alternative treatments, such as yoga, relaxation techniques, physical therapy, and acupuncture. Ask your doctor whether any of these options might be beneficial for you.

  • Should I consider any complementary or alternative therapies?
  • Can any of these therapies help with pain management?
  • Because cancer treatment can have a negative effect on appetite and digestion, should I consider meeting with a nutritionist?
  • Could stress management, relaxation techniques, or meditation benefit me?
  • Could physical therapy of any kind be helpful?
  • Could acupuncture be beneficial?

Emotional Health and Family Concerns

It's natural to experience feelings of depression, frustration, anger, fear, anxiety, and loneliness when you have cancer, but these feelings can sometimes interfere with your recovery. Your doctor can help you find ways to cope with the emotional stress of kidney cancer, manage your symptoms, and handle the impact your condition is having on your life and relationships. Ask for a referral to a good therapist or support group, and find out what else you can do to improve your emotional health while living with kidney cancer.

  • How do I know whether depression and stress are adversely affecting my health?
  • Should I seek emotional support from a group or therapist?
  • Are there support groups that focus on the special needs of kidney cancer patients? How can I find one?
  • Can you recommend any online resources for kidney cancer support?
  • What's the best way to talk to my children about my illness?
  • What, if anything, should I say to my boss and co-workers?
  • How can my family help me cope with kidney cancer?
  • Are there support services that can help my family cope with my condition?
  • How can I move on after my treatment is complete?
  • What should I do if I feel I'm being discriminated against at work or school?

General Health and Lifestyle Concerns

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to stay in good overall health with kidney cancer. Participating in a physical fitness regimen, following a balanced diet, getting adequate rest and sleep, quitting smoking, moderating your alcohol consumption, and avoiding substance abuse of any kind will contribute to better health and well-being. Check with your doctor to see whether you need to make any lifestyle changes at home, work, or school to better manage your kidney cancer.

  • How will kidney cancer treatment affect my daily life?
  • Will I need to make any lifestyle changes to better manage my kidney cancer or my treatment?
  • Would losing weight be advantageous?
  • Can drinking alcohol, smoking (or being exposed to secondhand smoke), or using drugs affect my condition?
  • Can you recommend any good books, magazines, organizations, or online resources that focus on kidney cancer?

Financial Health

The costs associated with your treatment for kidney cancer may have a significant impact on your finances. It's crucial to find ways to balance your physical health with your financial health. Ask your doctor about ways in which you may be able to offset the cost of your treatment, and follow up with a representative from your insurance company, as necessary:

  • Will my treatment be covered by my health insurance plan?
  • About how much will my treatment cost?
  • If surgery is necessary, will it be covered by my insurance? What are the risks of delaying surgery or opting out of it for financial reasons?
  • If I choose to do complementary or alternative therapy, is it likely to be covered by my insurance? If not, what kind of out-of-pocket costs can I expect?
  • What are my options if I don't have any health insurance?
  • Are there government programs or other organizations that might be of assistance?
  • Regarding my prescriptions, are there generic versions of the medications that would be more affordable? If not, are there other, equally effective medications that are available as generics?

Print the full list of kidney cancer questions to take to your doctor.