Kidney Cancer

Hi MummaG,

Thanks for getting in touch.

My name is Eileen, and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists working on the Macmillan support line. 

It’s understandable that you are feeling shocked by your husband’s diagnosis and worried that no immediate treatment is planned. Our expectation tends to be that when people receive a cancer diagnosis some form of treatment will quickly be commenced. We often hear in public health information that the sooner a cancer is found and treated the better the outcome. However, this does not necessarily apply to all cancer types and there can be situations were a cancer can safely be monitored until it starts to show signs that it is growing or becoming more aggressive.

Doctors may recommend monitoring for kidney tumours that are less than 3cms in size. This is because the tumour is likely to be slow growing and unlikely to invade surrounding tissues and may remain that way for several years without treatment. If future scans show that the tumour is growing your husband’s doctor would recommend appropriate treatment.

Some people find it very stressful being told they have cancer but don’t require treatment straight away, but you say your husband is fine with it which is good. It is important that you also feel reassured that your husband is having the correct management of his cancer. You can speak to his Clinical Nurse Specialist or Consultant if your husband gives his consent. They would be able to explain in more detail why they do not think treatment is required at present.

 I hope this was helpful but please know that you can call one of our nurses to discuss things further.

Take care and best wishes,

 Eileen

(Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

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