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What is kidney cancer?

Diagram of a body highlighting the 2 kidneys, which are just below the ribs on either side of the spine.
  • Kidney cancer, also called renal cancer, is a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys.
  • The kidneys are 2 small organs either side of your spine below your ribs. They remove waste and extra fluid from the blood, turning it into pee.
  • Kidney cancer is most common in people over 60.
  • How serious kidney cancer is depends on where it is in the kidney, how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.

Page last reviewed: 31 May 2023
Next review due: 31 May 2026