Nurse warns of six little-known signs of ‘silent’ kidney cancer as cases rise in under-50s

A nurse specialising in kidney cancer has warned the public to watch for six often-overlooked symptoms of the disease, saying early signs can be mistaken for common conditions and that cases are increasing among younger adults.

Hazel Jackson, a nurse at Kidney Cancer UK, told the Daily Mail that kidney cancer is frequently described as a “silent disease” because it rarely causes obvious symptoms until it is advanced. She urged people to seek medical advice if they notice persistent or unexplained changes, and to press for investigations if symptoms continue.

Jackson identified six warning signs that she said are commonly missed: recurring urinary tract infections; a dull, persistent ache in the side, back or below the ribs; unexplained, persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest; rapid or unexplained weight loss; a lump or swelling in the side or abdomen; and blood in the urine. She described blood in urine — which can range from visible deep red or brown urine to a faint pink tinge or tiny specks — as the clearest red flag and said any amount should be checked promptly.

While a single urinary tract infection is usually simple to treat, Jackson said repeated infections can indicate a deeper problem and may mask more serious kidney issues, including, in rare cases, cancer. She also noted that symptoms do not always appear together and can be vague, so patients should “trust your instincts” and be persistent if initial consultations do not lead to tests or referrals.

Kidney Cancer UK and other health organisations say early detection matters for survival. According to figures cited by the charity, about three-quarters of patients diagnosed at an early stage survive at least five years, while survival drops to about 18% once the cancer has spread. The charity also reported earlier this year that almost all cases in its survey were found incidentally — for example, during scans for unrelated conditions or in emergency departments — and only about one in five people said their condition was discovered after being referred by a general practitioner for relevant tests.

In the United Kingdom, nearly 14,000 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer each year and roughly 4,700 die from the disease, the charity's figures show. In the United States, there are about 80,000 new cases annually. Kidney Cancer UK has highlighted a marked increase in diagnoses among younger cohorts, saying people born in 1990 may be up to three times more likely to develop the disease than those born in the 1950s. Experts point to rising rates of obesity and high blood pressure as contributing factors.

Known risk factors for kidney cancer include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and a family history of the disease. Medical literature and charity guidance note that advanced cancer can also produce cachexia — a wasting syndrome involving rapid loss of muscle and fat — which is more common in later stages and is associated with inflammation driven by the tumour.

Jackson encouraged patients who experience ongoing pain, repeated infections or visible blood in the urine to see their GP and, if necessary, request a referral to a specialist. She warned that access to primary care and diagnostics can be uneven and that patients may need to clearly explain their symptoms and be persistent to secure appropriate investigations.

Clinicians stress that many of the symptoms Jackson lists are more often caused by benign conditions such as infections or kidney stones; however, the combination of rising incidence in younger people and the frequency of incidental diagnoses has renewed calls from patient groups for greater awareness among clinicians and the public. Early imaging and specialist assessment remain the standard path to confirm a diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment.