20/06/2026 04:48 - Salud
Ilustración médica profesional de riñones con representación de células cancerígenas en tonos cálidos, con médico consultando imágenes diagnósticas en segundo plano, estilo educativo y esperanzador
Kidney cancer represents one of the most significant public health challenges in Argentina. According to data from the World Health Organization, this disease causes more than 2,500 deaths annually in the country, and projections suggest this figure could rise significantly in the coming decades if not detected early.
For context, Argentina has a population of approximately 46 million people. The country's specific situation regarding this disease places it in a prominent position within Latin America, necessitating awareness and preventive measures.
Estimates from GLOBOCAN/Cancer Tomorrow for 2025 place Argentina in third place in Latin America and the Caribbean for the number of deaths from kidney cancer. The local impact is disproportionate: while in the region this tumor ranks 16th among causes of cancer death, in Argentina it climbs to the tenth place, also being the seventh most frequent cancer in incidence.
The great challenge of kidney cancer is that it rarely presents symptoms in its initial stages. Due to the location of the kidneys deep in the abdomen, small tumors are usually not detected during a routine physical exam. For this reason, many diagnoses are made incidentally: during ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs requested for other medical reasons.
The American Cancer Society points out this characteristic as the main obstacle for an early approach to the disease.
Official statistics show an uneven impact: nearly 7 out of every 10 diagnoses correspond to men. Of the 4,908 new annual cases estimated in Argentina, 3,409 occur in the male population. For men, kidney cancer is already the fourth most frequent tumor, behind prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer.
The origin of kidney cancer is linked to alterations in the genetic material of renal cells. Although hereditary cases exist, most are alterations acquired throughout life. The main risk factors are:
Doctor Gabriela Bugarin, medical director of Oncology, explained that many of these conditions can be modified through healthy habits: "Quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, controlling blood pressure, and avoiding exposure to chemical substances are some of the measures that help reduce the risk."
Doctor Andrea Marchioni, coordinator of the Institute of Oncology at the Hospital Alemán (one of the most prestigious medical centers in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina), detailed the signs that require medical attention:
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Blood in the urine | The most important sign. Always requires medical consultation |
| Persistent back pain | In the back or side (lumbar region) |
| Palpable mass | Appearance of a lump in the abdominal area |
| Involuntary weight loss | Without apparent cause, accompanied by lack of appetite |
| Fatigue and anemia | Constant tiredness without clear explanation |
| Prolonged fever | Without an identifiable cause |
Marchioni emphasizes: "Since several of these symptoms can be confused with common conditions or attributed to tiredness, muscle pain, or transient discomfort, the central message is that we must consult when a symptom persists, repeats, or appears without a clear explanation."
The differences in survival depending on the moment of diagnosis are overwhelming. Treatment depends on the size of the tumor, the stage of the disease, and the general health of the patient. When the cancer remains localized, surgery is usually the main strategy. Techniques such as ablation, radiotherapy, or active surveillance can also be indicated.
If the disease has spread outside the kidney, options include immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and, in specific cases, chemotherapy.
93% - Cancer localized in the kidney
75% - Extension to nearby tissues or lymph nodes
18% - Metastasis in distant organs
In the framework of World Kidney Cancer Day, specialists remember that knowing the risk factors, sustaining healthy habits, and performing medical check-ups can make a decisive difference. Detecting the disease in time not only improves treatment options but significantly increases the chances of a cure.
Sources: World Health Organization, GLOBOCAN/Cancer Tomorrow, American Cancer Society, Institute of Oncology of the Hospital Alemán.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
