Is Kidney Cancer Different in Men and Women?
Yes, kidney cancer does show some differences between men and women in terms of risk, diagnosis, biology, and outcomes. While both sexes can develop kidney cancer, men are about twice as likely to be diagnosed with it compared to women. However, women tend to be diagnosed at an older age and often have different disease characteristics.
Differences in Risk and Diagnosis
Incidence: Kidney cancer is significantly more common in men. The lifetime risk is roughly 1 in 46 for men and 1 in 80 for women.
Age at diagnosis: Women are often diagnosed later in life compared to men.
Symptoms: Both men and women can present with similar symptoms—such as blood in the urine or side pain—but some studies suggest women may have less specific or delayed symptoms, leading to later-stage diagnoses.
Differences in Tumor Type and Biology
Some studies have found that women may more often have chromophobe or papillary subtypes, while men more commonly develop clear cell RCC, which is generally more aggressive.
Certain genetic and hormonal factors, such as estrogen levels and immune response differences, might influence how the disease behaves between sexes.
Differences in Outcomes
Survival: When adjusted for stage and treatment, outcomes between men and women are often similar. However, women may have slightly better survival in early-stage disease, possibly due to differences in tumor biology or treatment response.
Treatment access and choices: Some studies have suggested disparities in treatment referral or access, but these differences are narrowing over time.
Understanding these variations can help doctors personalize care and follow-up strategies for each individual, regardless of sex.
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