Latest news with #kidneycancer
Russia Today
6 days ago
- Business
- Russia Today
Popular weight loss drug raises risk of ‘silent' cancer
Ozempic and similar weight loss medications may increase the risk of kidney cancer, according to a major study. However, the drugs reportedly lower the risk of more than a dozen other cancers, suggesting their overall benefit may still outweigh the hazards. A recent study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual conference in May found that people using popular weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic may have a higher risk of developing kidney cancer, the Daily Mail wrote on Tuesday. Researchers looked at the medical records from more than 86,000 patients in Florida over a ten-year period. They found 83 cases of kidney cancer among people taking weight loss drugs, compared to 58 cases in a similar group who were not taking them. The study showed a 33% higher chance of getting kidney cancer for users of these medications. The drugs are part of a group called GLP-1 drugs, which also includes Wegovy and others. Kidney cancer is known as a 'silent' disease because it often causes no symptoms early on. By the time signs such as blood in the urine, back pain, or a lump appear, it may have already spread, making survival less likely. Dr. Hao Dai from Indiana University, who led the study, told the Daily Mail on Tuesday that the results do not prove the drugs cause kidney cancer, but he called the findings 'concerning' and said more monitoring is needed. Although the risk of kidney cancer was seen to rise, the study also found that the same drugs may lower the chances of getting more than a dozen other cancers linked to obesity, including cancers of the uterus and ovaries. These results support earlier research. A 2023 study of 1.6 million people with diabetes found a 54% higher risk of kidney cancer among those using GLP-1 drugs compared to people using another diabetes medicine called metformin. Doctors believe the increased risk may be linked to side effects like vomiting and dehydration, which can hurt the kidneys. There is also a theory that the way these drugs work in the kidneys may affect how cells grow. Ozempic has also been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to help protect kidney function in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. In those patients, the drug lowered the risk of serious kidney problems by 24%, according to research. Medical experts say more research is needed to better understand how these drugs affect long-term kidney health and cancer risk.
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Experts' warning over 'silent' cancer most people have never heard of as cases soar in under 50s - the symptoms everyone MUST know
A kidney cancer campaigner has urgently warned people not ignore the early signs of the disease that most people either don't know about or don't take seriously. In the UK, around 13,000 people are diagnosed with kidney cancer—38 every day. The 'silent' cancer, which is among the fastest growing, is often symptomless in early stages so is often not diagnosed until later stages, when it has spread to other areas of the body and survival rates plummet. This warning has come over fears a lack of awareness of seemingly harmless symptoms is putting lives in danger. Despite being the sixth most common cancer, Malcolm Packer, CEO of Kidney Cancer UK, told the Huffington Post, it is 'dangerously under-recognised'. 'Kidney cancer is one of the fastest-growing cancers in the UK,' he said. He warned a lack of awareness and funding to tackle the condition which has no routine screening programme has 'real consequences'. 'Unlike some other cancers, there are no routine screening programmes and symptoms can be vague or easily dismissed. 'As a result, many people aren't diagnosed until stage two or three—at which point treatment becomes more complex,' he said. Mortality rates for kidney cancer have risen by 73 per cent in the UK since the 1970s, with cases soaring among those under 50. However, the CEO, highlighting the importance of knowing the early signs, said: 'Catching kidney cancer early can dramatically improve outcomes.' He shared the key symptoms to look out for, including those that 'seem mild or unrelated at first glance'. Blood in the urine—even once— is the most common and potentially most telling early sign. And the discolouration is not always obvious, according to Mr Packer. It may appear bright pink or red, but it can also feature a very slight tinge. Either way, it shouldn't be ignored. A dull or persistent discomfort in the lower back or either side of your spine below the ribs, known as the flank, can be caused by kidney cancer, he added. As can a mass or swelling in your side, which could be a tumour in or near the kidney area. If weight loss is sudden and unexplained, particularly if you are experiencing other symptoms, this is also a red flag. This warning comes not long after high profile former American basketball point guard Dwayne Wade revealed he had kidney cancer. NBA legend Dwayne Wade, 43, revealed subtle stomach pains and a routine check-up led to his kidney cancer diagnosis. He shared earlier this year that he had 40 per cent of one of his kidneys removed in December 2023, after finding a stage one cancerous tumour. He said: 'I talked about just having a slow stream, like sometimes when I would go to the bathroom, my urine would come out little slow. 'I had some cramps, some pain, a little bit at times in my stomach that I did not understand. 'But I didn't think nothing of it. And so, once I finally went in, I was like, 'OK, I just want to know everything''. Both Wade's father and grandfather had battled prostate cancer—a fact that had always kept him worried about his health. He told TODAY: '[The doctor] expressed to me that it was very early, but they thought they saw something on my kidneys. 'I didn't go in for my kidneys. I went in to check what was going on my stomach and my prostate'. A report by Kidney Cancer UK published earlier this year revealed that almost all cases of the disease are spotted by accident. That means patients are only being diagnosed when they have a scan for an unrelated condition or in an emergency department. Just one in five of the patients polled by the charity said their condition was spotted because they were sent for relevant tests by their GP. Risk factors for the cancer include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease or family history. Treatment may include surgery, cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, targeted medicines, radiotherapy or chemotherapy. But, individual treatment plans depend on what type of cancer you have, where it is, how big it is, if it has spread, and your general health.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
James Whale says he will be 'exceptionally lucky to make it to Christmas' as he celebrates 74th birthday with friends and family after terminal cancer diagnosis
James Whale admitted he will be 'exceptionally lucky to make it to Christmas ' as he celebrated his 74th birthday with friends and family at the weekend. The broadcaster is battling stage four kidney cancer that has spread to his spine, brain and lungs, and had previously said Christmas 2023 could be his last after stopping treatment. Joined by fellow radio host Lizzie Cundy and his wife Nadine, James gave a health update while enjoying some drinks in the sun. Explaining that whilst he is 'feeling ok,' he admitted that it 'would be easier to have a heart attack' in a candid confession. When asked by Lizzie how he was doing, he responded: 'I'm feeling ok. As people know I'm not about to die, but well, you never know do you. 'I have had all my treatment so I'm giving you the low down on it.' James added: 'If I make it to Christmas I will be exceptionally lucky. Some times I think it will be easier just to have a heart attack and go.' Last week he gave a devastating health update as he said he's 'at the end' of his cancer journey and there are 'no treatments left'. Making the announcement on Monday, with his Talk co-host Ash Gould by his side, James shared that he wouldn't be on the airwaves much longer and that his show may soon come to an end. He said: 'I'm at the end of my cancer journey. There is no treatment I can have anymore.' He added: 'I can't tell you how grateful I am to Talk to actually let me on the air and sit next to Ash, which is a real pain in the butt, but I've been doing it for 25 years!' James said his recent ill health had taken its toll on him due to a severe bout of flu which led to an intensive care stay. Despite his health, James managed to joke: 'It might actually be helping me, you never know, so I don't let that cloud my judgment – but on the medication I am on, I'm all over the place. 'I'm hoping to go on for another few weeks, few months but as soon as I can't do the show anymore, I won't.' Making the announcement on Monday, with his Talk co-host Ash Gould by his side, James shared that he wouldn't be on the airwaves much longer Celebrity Big Brother star James spent Christmas in intensive care after being rushed to hospital amid his terminal cancer battle. He was hospitalised with the flu and was later discharged from the ICU to recover at home. His relieved wife, Nadine, 59, told fans at the time: 'After a worrying week I am happy to report that @THEJamesWhale is out of ICU and back at home, having batted off the Grim Reaper yet again. 'This time he tried with a bout of Influenza A, but without success. Our hero is home for NYE.' James received an MBE for services to broadcasting and charity back in April 2024.
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Brad Arnold: 3 Doors Down singer reveals stage four kidney cancer
Brad Arnold, the singer with US rock band 3 Doors Down, has revealed he has been diagnosed with stage four kidney 46-year-old said in an Instagram video that he has "clear cell renal carcinoma that had metastasised into my lung", adding: "And that's stage four, and that's not real good."The band made it big in the early 2000s with hits like Kryptonite, Here Without You and It's Not My Time, and have sold more than 13 million albums in the US."Now, I believe It's Not My Time is really my song," Arnold wrote to fans in an accompanying caption. "This'll be a battle so we need our prayers warriors!" 3 Doors Down emerged from Mississippi to break through with their hit Kryptonite, which reached number three in the US in debut album The Better Life was the 11th biggest-selling album of the year in their home returned to the top five with the 2002 singles Here Without You and When I'm Gone, and scored US number one albums with Seventeen Days in 2005 and a self-titled LP in also performed at President Trump's first inauguration in 2017. In his video, the singer and drummer said: "You know what, we serve almighty God, and he can overcome anything. So I have no fear. I am really, sincerely not scared of it at all."But it is going to force us to cancel our tour this summer, and we're sorry for that."And I'd love for you to lift me up in prayer every chance you get, and I think it's time for me to maybe go listen to It's Not My Time a little bit, right?"Clear cell renal carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, and stage four is the most serious, meaning it has spread to another part of the body.
The Independent
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
US rockstar Brad Arnold confirms stage 4 cancer diagnosis
3 Doors Down lead singer Brad Arnold, 46, announced his stage 4 kidney cancer diagnosis, which has spread to his lung. Arnold shared the news in an emotional Instagram video, asking fans for prayers. The band's upcoming Welcome to Rockville Festival appearance and summer tour have been cancelled due to the diagnosis. Arnold expressed his desire for prayers and hinted at listening to the band's song "It's Not My Time." The band's 2000 hit "Kryptonite" was written by Arnold while in high school. No further details about his treatment or prognosis were given.
