The kidneys are two fist-sized organs located behind the abdominal organs, located on either side of the spine. Kidneys form urine to clear some of the toxins produced by the body. Urine drains from the kidneys into the bladder and is then passed out of the body.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney or renal cell cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the kidney. Kidney cancer is a disease that commonly affects the elderly, where nearly 2 out of 3 people diagnosed are over the age of 65. It also affects more men than women.
In Singapore, kidney cancer is the 7th most common cancer among men. Kidney cancer accounts for 1-2% of all cancers, and the prevalence of this disease has been rising at an annual rate of approximately 2-3%. This rising trend has been attributed to the use of imaging techniques such as computerised tomography (CT) scans and ultrasonography for other complaints, leading to the accidental discovery of more kidney cancers.
