Global epidemiology of kidney cancer.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the global epidemiology, risk factors, and management of kidney cancer (KC), highlighting its rising incidence and mortality worldwide, with an estimated 400,000 new cases and 175,000 deaths annually. It emphasizes significant socioeconomic and racial disparities, noting that low- and middle-income countries experience higher mortality and later-stage diagnoses, while high-income countries show higher incidence but better survival rates. Key risk factors include smoking, obesity, hypertension, occupational exposures, and kidney injury—specifically acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD)—which are identified as important, yet under-recognized, precursors to KC. The article underscores the central role of nephrologists in early detection, prevention, and management of KC and its associated kidney diseases, advocating for multidisciplinary approaches and further research to address disparities and improve outcomes.