Ahead of World Kidney Cancer Day on June 19, the American Kidney Fund (AKF) has introduced a new educational initiative focusing on renal (kidney) cancer. In collaboration with Merck, this campaign aims to offer individuals with kidney cancer, as well as their families and caregivers, easily understandable information and support.

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), kidney cancer represents 4% of all cancer cases. Annually, approximately 80,000 individuals receive a kidney cancer diagnosis, with over 675,000 people living with kidney and renal pelvis cancer in 2022.

AKF's President and CEO, LaVarne A. Burton, expressed the organization's commitment to assisting individuals dealing with various kidney issues, including the different forms of kidney cancer that can impact these crucial organs and potentially spread to other parts of the body. Burton also expressed gratitude to Merck for their support in broadening these resources to aid thousands of individuals living with kidney cancer.

As part of the campaign, AKF has created new educational materials such as a Talk-to-Your Doctor guide that can be downloaded, along with an animated video explaining kidney cancer. These resources are now also available in Spanish. Additionally, AKF has improved its existing content on clear and non-clear renal cell carcinoma, as well as non-renal cell tumors and other types of kidney cancer.

The most prevalent type of kidney cancer in adults is renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is further categorized into clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ncRCC). Clear cell renal cell carcinoma accounts for 8 out of 10 cases of adult kidney cancer. Non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma encompasses various other types of renal cell carcinomas, totaling more than 15 types.

While the exact cause of kidney cancer remains unknown, there are certain risk factors that can elevate an individual's likelihood of developing the disease. These factors include smoking, obesity, hypertension, family history of kidney cancer, specific inherited or genetic conditions, and prolonged treatment for kidney failure.

About the American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) is a nonprofit organization that combats kidney disease through a wide range of initiatives. Representing 1 in 7 Americans living with kidney disease, AKF offers various programs that support individuals at different stages of their battle against kidney disease, from prevention to transplantation. The organization advocates for kidney health through early detection, disease management, financial aid, clinical research, innovation, and advocacy. AKF is recognized as one of the nation's top-rated nonprofits, allocating 96 cents of every donated dollar to its programs. It has received 24 consecutive 4-Star ratings from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid.

For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or follow AKF on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.