The number of cases of kidney cancer diagnosed each year in Great Britain has risen over 9,000 for the first time, new figures from Cancer Research UK show today. Experts believe that obesity could be one of the key factors behind the staggering 135 per cent rise in kidney cancer rates over the last 35 years.

Sara Hiom, director of information at Cancer Research UK, said: “Too few people know about the significant cancer risks associated with being very overweight. While giving up smoking remains the best way to cut your chances of developing kidney cancer, the importance of keeping a healthy weight shouldn’t be overlooked." Obesity is not only linked to kidney cancer but six other types of cancer and other diseases as well. Kidney cancer survival rates have greatly improved over the last 35 years thanks to research funded by our generous supporters.

To ensure we continue to make progress, it’s really important that the disease is diagnosed as early as possible to give patients the best treatment options.