Last Updated: September 22, 2025
Medically reviewed by NKF Patient Education Team
Living with kidney cancer
Managing kidney cancer includes both medical treatment and lifestyle care. After diagnosis, your doctor will explain the type and stage of your cancer and recommend a treatment plan. Treatment may involve surgery, targeted medicines, immunotherapy, or in some cases, active monitoring.
Beyond treatment, living with kidney cancer means understanding how the disease may affect your daily life and what you can do to stay as healthy as possible. This includes learning about nutrition, safe ways to stay active, how to manage side effects, and how to cope with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis.
Your care team
Kidney cancer care often involves a group of specialists who work together to guide your treatment and support your overall health. Members of your care team may include:
- Oncologist: A cancer doctor who leads your treatment plan.
- Urologist: A surgeon who specializes in the urinary tract and kidneys.
- Nephrologist: A kidney doctor who helps monitor kidney function during and after treatment.
- Nurse or nurse practitioner: Provides day-to-day care, answers questions, and helps manage symptoms.
- Dietitian: A nutrition expert trained in kidney health who can help you make food choices during treatment.
- Social worker or counselor: Offers emotional support and can connect you with financial or community resources.
- Care partners (family or friends): Provide daily support, help at appointments, and assist with managing care at home.
Treatment overview
Treatment depends on the type of kidney cancer, its stage (how advanced it is), and your overall health. Your care team may recommend one or more of the following:
- Surgery: The most common treatment for kidney cancer. Surgery removes part of the kidney (partial nephrectomy) or the entire kidney (radical nephrectomy). If only one kidney is removed, the other kidney usually does the work of both.
- Targeted therapy: These medicines block specific signals that cancer cells use to grow and spread. They are often taken as pills and may be used if the cancer has spread or comes back after surgery.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment helps your body’s immune system find and attack cancer cells more effectively. Immunotherapy can be given by IV (through a vein) or by injection.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. Radiation is not a common first treatment for kidney cancer but may be used to relieve pain or control cancer that has spread.
- Active surveillance: If the tumor is very small and not causing problems, the doctor may recommend regular checkups and imaging tests instead of starting treatment right away. This approach may be best for older adults or people with other health conditions.
Medications
Newer medicines have improved the outlook for people with kidney cancer. These treatments do not cure the cancer, but they can help slow or stop its growth, shrink tumors, and in some cases help people live longer. Your doctor may recommend medicines on their own, in combination, or after surgery if the cancer comes back. The main types include:
Targeted therapy:
- These medicines block specific signals that kidney cancer cells use to grow and spread.
- They may also cut off the blood supply that tumors need to grow.
- Most targeted drugs are pills taken at home.
- Common side effects can include high blood pressure, diarrhea, tiredness, or changes in the skin or hair.
Immunotherapy:
- This treatment helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
- It may be given as an infusion (through an IV) in a clinic or hospital.
- Immunotherapy can be used alone or combined with targeted therapy.
- Side effects may include flu-like symptoms, rash, or swelling, but some people have stronger immune reactions.
Doctors decide which medicine to use based on the type and stage of kidney cancer, your overall health, and how well your kidneys are working.
Because these medicines can have side effects, your healthcare team will monitor you closely with regular visits and blood tests. Always tell your doctor if you notice new or worsening symptoms.
Nutrition for People with Kidney Cancer
- Eating well can support your body during kidney cancer treatment and recovery. Good nutrition can help you stay strong, maintain your weight, and manage side effects such as fatigue or loss of appetite.
- Focus on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains: These foods provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help your body heal and keep your energy up.
- Choose lean protein sources, like fish or beans: Protein helps repair tissues and keeps your muscles strong. Other good options include skinless chicken, tofu, eggs, or low-fat dairy (if recommended by your doctor).
- Limit salt and processed foods: Too much sodium can make high blood pressure and swelling worse. Try seasoning with herbs, lemon, or spices instead of salt.
- Ask to meet with a kidney dietitian: Nutrition needs can be different for people on dialysis or with reduced kidney function. A dietitian trained in kidney disease can help you choose the right foods for your situation.
During treatment, you may notice changes in your appetite or taste. Eating smaller, more frequent meals, drinking enough fluids, and trying new foods can sometimes help.
Tips for eating during treatment
- Eat small meals or snacks every 2–3 hours instead of three large meals.
- Try soft, easy-to-digest foods if you feel tired or nauseous.
- Keep healthy snacks (like yogurt, nuts, or fruit) within reach.
- Drink water often, but sip slowly if you feel full.
- If food tastes different, experiment with herbs, spices, or marinades to improve flavor.
- Ask your doctor or dietitian if nutrition shakes or supplements are right for you.
Exercise
Staying active during and after treatment can help you feel stronger, reduce fatigue, and improve your mood. Even gentle movement can make a difference.
- Light to moderate exercise: Activities like walking, gentle yoga, or stretching can help keep your muscles and joints flexible.
- Build up slowly: Start with short sessions, such as 5–10 minutes a day and add more time as you feel able.
- Strength and balance exercises: Light weights, resistance bands, or balance exercises can help prevent muscle loss and lower the risk of falls.
- Listen to your body: It’s normal to feel tired, but stop if you feel dizzy, short of breath, or have pain.
- Get medical clearance: Always check with your doctor before starting or changing your exercise routine, especially if you’ve had surgery or other treatments.
Regular movement can also help lower stress and support healthy sleep. Even small amounts of daily activity can be beneficial.
Questions to ask your doctor
- What treatment options are best for my type and stage of kidney cancer?
- What are the benefits and risks of each treatment?
- What side effects should I expect, and how can they be managed?
- Should I see a kidney dietitian to help with food choices during treatment?
- Is it safe for me to exercise, and what types of activity do you recommend?
- Are there clinical trials I may qualify for?
- How will we know if the treatment is working?
- What follow-up care or scans will I need after treatment?
