Global epidemiology of kidney cancer

Abstract

Kidney cancer (KC) is a disease with a rising worldwide incidence estimated at 400 000 new cases annually, and a worldwide mortality rate approaching 175 000 deaths per year. Current projections suggest incidence continuing to increase over the next decade, thus emphasizing the urgency of addressing this significant global health trend. Despite the overall increases in incidence and mortality, striking social disparities are evident. Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionate burden of the disease, with higher mortality rates and later-stage diagnoses, underscoring the critical role of socioeconomic factors in disease prevalence and outcomes. The major risk factors for KC, including smoking, obesity, hypertension, and occupational exposure to harmful substances must be taken into account. Importantly, these risk factors also often contribute to kidney injury, a condition that the review identifies as a significant, yet under-recognized, precursor to KC. Finally, the indispensable role of nephrologists is underscored in managing this complex disease landscape. Nephrologists are at the forefront of detecting and managing kidney injuries, and their role in mitigating the risk of KC is becoming increasingly apparent. Through this comprehensive analysis, we aim to facilitate a more nuanced understanding of KC's epidemiology and determinants providing valuable insights for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers alike.

Blood cell indices and inflammation-related markers with kidney cancer risk: a large-population prospective analysis in UK Biobank

“…Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, is a disease that is becoming more common globally, with over 400,000 new cases reported each year. The mortality rate for kidney cancer is also high, with around 175,000 fatalities occurring annually worldwide ( 5 – 8 ). Despite its frequency, kidney cancer remains a complex and heterogeneous disease, characterized by challenges in early detection, limited treatment options, and an inadequate understanding of its underlying mechanisms ( 9 ).…”

The Role of the PAX Genes in Renal Cell Carcinoma

“…Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the predominant form of kidney cancer, representing approximately 80–90% of kidney cancers, and it primarily originates from the renal tubular epithelium or renal cortex [ 1 , 2 ]. According to the 2020 Globocan Registry, RCC ranks as the 12th most common cancer globally, with 1.2 million cases reported over the past five years [ 3 ]. In 2020, the global age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) for RCC was 4.6 per 100,000 individuals.…”

“…In 2020, the global age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) for RCC was 4.6 per 100,000 individuals. The ASR for men (6.1 per 100,000) was nearly double that for women (3.2 per 100,000) [ 3 ]. The incidence of RCC varies significantly by region, with higher rates generally observed in Europe and North America [ 4 ].…”

Cancer marker TNFRSF1A: From single‑cell heterogeneity of renal cell carcinoma to functional validation

“…Kidney cancer, including its most frequently occurring type renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is a significant global health issue ( 1 ). With a mortality rate of ~175,000 death/year, kidney cancer markedly contributes to global cancer-related fatalities ( 2 ). RCC is a heterogeneous disease with various histological subtypes ( 3 ), including clear cell, papillary, chromophobe and collecting duct carcinoma.…”