Kidney Cancer Awareness Week 4-8 February 2019

‘Plant a seed for research’ in Kidney Cancer Awareness Week

We are are pleased to announce that Monday 4th February to Friday 8th February will be our annual Kidney Cancer Awareness Week 2019 (#KCAW2019) across the United Kingdom and culminating with Green Friday on 8th February.
This year we are calling for the Government to invest in research for a national kidney cancer screening programme as our UK patient survey revealed that 47% of patients are diagnosed at stage 3 or later. This is not acceptable and the Governments own pledge to diagnose 75% of cancers at stage 1 or 2 by 2028 in their recently announced ‘NHS Long Term Plan’ is too far in the future. This is needed within five years.
Kidney Cancer UK and Kidney Cancer Scotland are currently supporting research into a national kidney cancer screening programme and ask you for your support by joining in our ‘Plant a seed for research’ campaign. For a minimum donation of £5.00 we will send you a pack of seed to plant from which hope and new life will grow through the research we support. The seed will be loose packed and randomly selected from Cornflower, Sunflower, Nasturtium and Corn Marigold. 100% of the profit from your donation will go to research into kidney cancer. You can join in ‘Plant a seed for research’ by clicking HERE.

Once your seeds start to bloom in the summer you can share pictures of your lovely flowers via our Facebook page.
Kidney Cancer Awareness Week culminates with Green Friday (8th February) when we ask everyone to wear as much green as possible to show their support for all kidney cancer patients, their families and carers. We want to drive conversations and move kidney cancer in the the general awareness so the public are aware and GP’s, consultants and all medical specialists have kidney cancer high on their radar when patients present to them. On Green Friday we would love for you to share your pictures via our Facebook page.
Despite being the seventh most common cancer in the UK: the fifth most common in men and the tenth in women, kidney cancer remains relatively unheard of.  Each year, in the UK 12,500 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer and it accounts for three per cent of all new diagnoses. Forty-two per cent of kidney cancer cases are linked to major lifestyle factors; including smoking and obesity.

We will continue to highlight findings of our Autumn Kidney Cancer Patient Survey 2018 with the objective of increasing the nation’s awareness and improving conditions for those with kidney cancer.
It is important to always talk about kidney cancer, the importance of early diagnosis and promote awareness that this is a silent killer; we simply do not know who it will strike next. Be aware of the 10 signs of kidney cancer:

1. Blood in the urine
2. Persistent low back pain
3. Pain in the side, between the ribs and hipbone
4. A lump or mass in the area of the kidneys
5. Persistent high temperature
6. Night sweats

7. Persistent cough
8. Tiredness
9. Weight loss
10. Loss of appetite

 

Read our  Kidney Cancer UK Patient Survey here:

 
As well as the highlighting of the survey, an online social media campaign will run in the weeks leading up to, and on the day with special messaging using the hashtag #KCAW2019 so everyone can instantly join the online conversation.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION, SPREAD THE WORD!
With this Kidney Cancer Awareness Week we want everyone to unite in the fight against kidney cancer, start a conversation and keep talking and ask the question; What will you do to ‘Make some noise about kidney cancer’ in Kidney Cancer Awareness Week 2019?
Use the hashtag across all social media platforms #KCAW2019
Through this simple act we can make a difference and save lives.