Recovery from treatment for kidney cancer
After treatment for kidney cancer
After treatment for kidney cancer, you may just want to get back to everyday life. But you may still be coping with the side effects of treatment or adjusting to physical changes. You may also be dealing with some difficult emotions. Recovery takes time, so do not rush. Try to be kind to yourself.
Some people choose to make lifestyle changes to improve their health and well-being. Even if you had a healthy lifestyle before cancer, you may be more focused on making the most of your health.
If you have health problems, such as kidney disease, it is important to check with your doctor before making any changes to your lifestyle or diet.
Living with 1 kidney
If you have had part or all of a kidney removed, your remaining kidney tissue and other kidney will usually be able to do the work of both kidneys. Your cancer team can check this with regular blood tests.
The lifestyle changes below can help you protect your remaining kidney or kidneys. This is because they help reduce your risk of:
- high blood pressure
- heart problems
- diabetes.
It is important to prevent or manage these conditions because they can put strain on the kidneys and may eventually cause damage.
Stop smoking
If you smoke, giving up is the healthiest decision you can make. Smoking is a major risk factor for smoking-related cancers, including kidney cancer. It also increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. If you want to stop, your GP can give you advice.
We have more information about giving up smoking.
Eat healthily
Eating a healthy, balanced diet will give you more energy and help you recover. Try to eat 5 portions of fresh fruit and vegetables each day. And try to eat less red meat.
Try to limit the amount of salt you eat. This is because salt can raise blood pressure and make the kidneys work harder. Follow any advice you have been given by a dietitian.
Drink plenty of water
Keep to sensible drinking guidelines
Sensible drinking guidelines recommend that you should not regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol in a week. Try to have a few alcohol-free days each week.
There is more information about alcohol and drinking guidelines at drinkaware.co.uk
Keep to a healthy weight
Keeping to a healthy weight reduces the risk of cancer. It also reduces the risk of heart and kidney problems and illnesses such as diabetes. Your GP can tell you what your healthy weight is.
If you need to lose weight, ask your GP for advice. You may also want to try:
- reducing your portion size
- eating a balanced diet with lots of fruit and vegetables
- eating less fat and sugar
- being more physically active.
If you are following a weight-loss diet, avoid high-protein diets. These can stress the kidneys. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids.
If you have lost weight during treatment, your GP or a dietitian can give you advice about gaining weight.
We have more information about coping with weight gain after treatment.
Be physically active
Being physically active can:
- help you manage your weight
- reduce stress and tiredness
- reduce the risk of other health conditions, such as diabetes.
It is important to avoid injury to your kidneys. You may have to avoid contact sports, such as rugby and football, and extreme sports such as skydiving.
Reduce stress
Being physically active, eating well and getting enough sleep can help reduce stress. Try to make time to do things that you enjoy or that make you laugh.
Some people find it relaxing to meditate or to start a new hobby. You may find it helpful to write a journal or blog.
Related pages
Medicines and supplements
Some painkillers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can damage the kidneys. Ask your doctor for advice before taking any:
- medicines you buy in a shop, pharmacy or online
- vitamin or mineral supplements.
Get your blood pressure checked regularly
Urine infections
Urine infections can usually be easily treated. But if they are ignored, they can cause problems with the kidneys. If you have symptoms of a urine infection, it is important to speak to your GP.
Symptoms include:
- smelly or cloudy urine (pee)
- pain or burning when passing urine
- feeling you have to pass urine urgently.
We have more information on beginning to recover after cancer treatment.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our kidney cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
Ljunberg B, Albiges L, Bedke J et al. European Association of Urology Guidelines on renal cell carcinoma. 2023. Available from https://uroweb.org/guidelines/renal-cell-carcinoma
Powles T, Albiges L, Bex A, et al. Renal cell carcinoma: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Ann Oncol. 2024 May 22. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annonc.2024.05.537
Dr Lisa Pickering
Reviewer
Consultant Medical Oncologist in Renal and Skin Cancers
Date reviewed
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