New national data shows that survival for people with kidney cancer has improved significantly over the past several decades. Rising survival rates reflect advances in diagnosis and treatment.

According to the American Cancer Society’s latest cancer statistics, the five-year relative survival rate for kidney and renal pelvis cancer has risen steadily, reaching 79 percent for those diagnosed in recent years. Note that this statistic lumps together people of all ages and kidney cancer diagnosed at all stages.

These findings mean 79 percent of people with kidney or renal pelvis cancer are still alive five years after diagnosis, compared with people of the same age in the general population. That’s a significant increase from the mid-1970s, when the five-year survival rate was 50 percent, and the mid-1990s, when the rate was 62 percent.

These gains mean that today, many people with kidney or renal pelvis cancer are living longer than ever before.

Why Survival Has Improved

Kidney cancer survival has improved in part because the disease is often discovered earlier than it was found previously. The report notes that about 2 in 3 new kidney cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage, meaning the cancer is still confined to the kidney when it’s discovered. Cancers found at earlier stages are generally easier to treat and are linked with better outcomes than cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.

Researchers also point to advances in kidney cancer treatment as an important factor. Improved imaging has led to more cancers being detected incidentally during tests for other health concerns, while progress in surgery, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy has contributed to declining death rates over time.

Learn more about treatment options for kidney cancer.

What Affects Kidney Cancer Survival?

Doctors consider many factors when discussing prognosis for kidney cancer, including:

• Stage at diagnosis — Whether the cancer is localized or has metastasized (spread) affects treatment options.
• Cancer subtype — Most kidney cancers are renal cell carcinoma, but subtypes behave differently.
• Response to treatment — Some cancers respond better to targeted therapies or immunotherapy.
• Overall health — Other medical conditions can affect treatment options and outcomes.
• Access to care — Timely diagnosis and treatment matter.

Population-level survival statistics can offer helpful context, but they can’t predict what will happen for any one person. Talking with an oncology care team can help clarify how these factors apply to an individual situation.

Learn more about factors that affect kidney cancer prognosis (outlook).

What This Means for People Living With Kidney Cancer

If you’re living with kidney cancer, these survival trends may offer reassurance that treatment options and outcomes are improving over time. Still, decisions about treatment and follow-up care are personal. They should be made in partnership with your cancer care team, who understands your specific situation.

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