About 1 in 20 cancers diagnosed in the United States are kidney cancers, with renal cell cancer being the most common type of kidney cancer. If you’ve been diagnosed with renal cell (kidney) cancer, you may be feeling a mix of emotions including fear, confusion, and uncertainty. One of the most empowering steps you can take after your diagnosis is to prepare questions for your care team. The more you understand about your condition and treatment options, the more confident you may feel about your next steps.

Renal cell (kidney) cancer begins in the small tubes inside the kidney that filter blood. Some cases are found by chance during imaging tests for other conditions, while others are diagnosed because of symptoms such as blood in the urine, persistent pain in the side, or unexplained fatigue. No matter how your cancer was discovered, your doctor can help explain what your diagnosis means and guide you through the choices ahead.

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When you meet with your care team, it may help to bring a family member or trusted friend to appointments. They can provide support, help take notes, and make sure you don’t miss anything important. Writing down your questions in advance can also make the conversation more productive and informative, especially when you’re feeling anxious. Be sure to also write down the answers, so you can refer to them whenever you need.

Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• What stage and grade is my cancer, and what does that mean for my prognosis?
• What treatment options are available to me?
• Do I need surgery, and, if so,what would recovery look like?
• Is targeted therapy or immunotherapy an option in my case?
• Should I have biomarker or genetic testing to help guide my treatment?
• What side effects should I expect, and how can they be managed?
• Should I consider a clinical trial?
• How often will I need imaging or follow-up tests?
• What resources are available to help me manage my day-to-day during treatment?

Each of these questions can help you better understand your diagnosis. For example, knowing the stage and grade tells you how advanced the cancer is and how aggressive it may be. Asking about surgery is important because many patients with localized renal cell (kidney) cancer are treated with procedures like partial or complete nephrectomy (removal of part or all of the kidney). If the cancer has spread, you may want to learn more about systemic treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy, which can help control the disease. For some patients with stage II or III renal cell (kidney) cancer, immunotherapy may also be recommended after surgery.

Asking about biomarker testing is particularly valuable. Biomarkers are biological signals, such as gene mutations or protein expressions, that can help your care team decide which treatment may work best for you, specifically, based upon the genetic make-up of your tumor. For some patients, biomarker testing can reveal whether newer therapies are likely to be more effective.

It’s also helpful to discuss the possibility of clinical trials. These research studies may give you access to newer treatments that are not yet widely available. Even if you decide not to participate, learning about ongoing research can help you feel more aware of all your options.

Finally, don’t overlook questions about follow-up care and resources available. Regular imaging and lab work are key to tracking your health during and after treatment, and your doctor can recommend how often you’ll need these check-ins. Your care team may also be able to help you with transportation, financial assistance, and nutrition guidance, so don’t be afraid to ask for supportive resources.  

Every diagnosis is unique, so it’s important to ask the questions that matter most to you. If you don’t understand something, it’s okay to ask your doctor to explain it again in simpler terms. Taking an active role in your care is one of the best ways to navigate your diagnosis with confidence.

You’re not alone. Join the Outcomes4Me Community for a safe space to share your story and connect with others who share your diagnosis.