RCHT hosts dedicated Kidney Cancer Patient Day

RCHT recently welcomed patients and families to a special Kidney Cancer Patient Day – only the third of its kind in the UK. Supported by Action Kidney Cancer, the event brought people together to share experiences, learn from specialists and access support that can be hard to find for this rare cancer.

Led by Uro-Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialists Debbie Victor and Natalie Davies, the day created a space for patients who often feel isolated in their diagnosis. “There are lots of events for more common cancers,” Debbie explained. “Kidney cancer patients don’t always get the chance to meet each other. Today was about connection.”

The programme included sessions from a dietitian, a psychologist from the Cove, and physiotherapists offering practical advice on staying well during treatment. Patients also heard about current research and clinical trials, helping them understand the broader landscape of care.

Feedback has already been extremely positive, with many saying it was the first time they had met others facing kidney cancer. “It can be a release for people to know they’re not alone,” Debbie said. Some attendees had been living with their diagnosis for decades, offering insight and reassurance to those newly diagnosed.

Following the event’s success, the team hopes to host similar days in the future and to support patients in forming their own ongoing support groups, potentially meeting at the Cove. “There’s a lot of support out there,” Debbie added. “Today helps people understand where to find it – and encourages them to support each other.”