MARCH AWARENESS

• Types: Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) accounts for ~85% of cases. Other types include transitional cell carcinoma and Wilms tumor (mainly in children).
• Symptoms: Frequently none in early stages. Later symptoms include:
  • Blood in urine (hematuria)
  • Pain/dull ache in the side or lower back
  • Unexplained weight loss or fever
  • Fatigue and anemia
  • Lump in the abdomen or side
• Diagnosis: Doctors use imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, blood/urine tests, and occasionally biopsies to diagnose and stage the cancer.
• Stages: Kidney cancer is staged from I to IV, based on tumor size and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs (metastatic).
• Risk Factors: Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, older age, and genetic conditions are major risk factors.
• Treatment:
  • Surgery: The most common treatment to remove the tumor or entire kidney.
  • Ablation: Freezing (cryoablation) or heating (radiofrequency ablation) cancer cells.
  • Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific cancer cell abnormalities.
  • Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer.

 Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum, often developing from precancerous polyps, and is highly treatable if found early via screening, which is recommended starting at age 45. Common symptoms include persistent bowel habit changes (diarrhea/constipation), rectal bleeding, blood in stool, abdominal pain, or unexpected weight loss. Wikipedia +4Early Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms often do not appear early, which is why screening is crucial. When they do, they can include: UT MD Anderson +2

• Persistent change in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea, or narrower stool).
• Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool.
• Persistent abdominal discomfort, cramping, gas, or pain.
• A feeling that the bowel does not empty completely.
• Weakness or fatigue.
• Unexplained weight loss.  
• Stage IV (Metastatic): The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the liver or lungs. Mayo Clinic +2

Risk Factors

• Age: Risk increases with age, particularly over 50, though rates are rising in adults under 50.
• History: Personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps.
• Lifestyle: Diets high in red/processed meats, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and heavy alcohol use.
• Conditions: Inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's, ulcerative colitis).
• Genetics: Inherited syndromes like Lynch syndrome or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Mayo Clinic +4