Life after surgery for kidney cancer

A diagnosis of kidney cancer may mean that you have to make some adjustments to your life. 

Treatment for kidney cancer may mean having surgery to remove your kidney. After the operation it is important to look after your remaining kidney so it works as well as it can. 

One kidney is enough to filter your blood to keep it clean and healthy. So, there should be no ill effects of having only one as long as it works normally.

This page talks about looking after your remaining kidney. If you've only had part of your kidney removed it's still important that you keep it healthy. It is also important that you look after your other kidney.

Checking how well your kidney works

You have regular tests after surgery to check your remaining kidney is working well. They are called kidney function tests. This includes having a urine test and blood test. You usually have these tests as part of your follow up appointments.

Keeping your kidney healthy

It is not known whether making lifestyle changes will stop the cancer coming back. But keeping your remaining kidney healthy is important. This can be done by:

• stopping smoking

• drinking less alcohol

• eating a balanced diet

• being more active

• keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range

• controlling other health conditions

Smoking

If you smoke, you should try to stop. Smoking has been linked to kidney cancer and many other cancers. It also raises your risk of getting heart disease. This can stop your kidney from working properly.

Giving up smoking can be very difficult, especially if you have smoked for years. You will need a lot of will power and support from your friends and family, but it will be worth it.

Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you need help and support to stop smoking. A wide range of help is available on the NHS.

Alcohol

Heavy drinking over a long period of time can cause kidney damage. Cutting down or stopping drinking alcohol completely is helpful.

A balanced diet

Being above a healthy weight can damage your kidneys. And being very overweight (obese) increases the risk of kidney cancer. So, try to eat a healthy balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Eating a lot of salt isn’t good for your kidneys or your heart. Try to cut down on the amount of salt you add to your food. Processed foods contain added salt. So, you also need to count that if you are reducing the amount of salt you eat.

You may need to follow a particular diet after having a kidney removed. For example, if your remaining kidney isn't working so well. Your doctor or nurse can refer you to a dietitian for specialist advice if you need to do this.

Being more active

Research has shown that being more active is safe for many people with cancer. It can help you feel better emotionally and physically. It can also help you keep a healthy weight. Making small changes to your daily routine can help you be more active.

It is important to speak to your doctor or nurse specialist if you want to restart or begin a particular exercise or sport. This is because not all activities may be suitable for you. It can depend on:

• if your cancer has spread

• the treatment you have had

• any side effects you have from the treatment

• other health problems you may have

Blood pressure

Having high blood pressure can damage your kidney. Your GP monitors your blood pressure regularly to make sure that your kidney stays healthy.

Eating a balanced diet and being more active can help control your blood pressure. If your blood pressure is high your GP might give you medicine to lower it.

Other health problems

Some other health problems such as diabetes can cause damage to your kidney if they are not well controlled. Your GP or practice nurse check you for these health problems. They can give you advice on how to prevent or control any problems and may give medicines if needed.

Will you need kidney dialysis?

The kidneys get rid of the waste products and excess water from the body as urine. If you can't make urine you'll need kidney dialysis to do this for you.

A small number of people may need kidney dialysis after having their kidney removed. This might be because:

• they were born with only one kidney, or one working kidney
• they’ve had both kidneys removed
• their other kidney doesn’t work

If this is the case your surgeon will try to remove only the cancer (partial nephrectomy) and not the whole kidney (radical nephrectomy). But if they can’t you'll need kidney dialysis. Your doctor will talk to you about this and refer you to a specialist who looks after the kidneys (a nephrologist).

Having kidney dialysis can have a big impact on your health and quality of life. You spend a lot of time having dialysis. You must also stick to a special diet and carefully control how much you drink.