Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma, is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the kidney. It is one of the 10 most common cancers in both men and women. Kidney cancer often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, which can make it difficult to diagnose. Risk factors for kidney cancer include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, and a family history of the disease. Treatment options for kidney cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. Research in the field of kidney cancer focuses on better understanding the causes of the disease, improving early detection methods, developing new treatment strategies, and improving outcomes for patients with advanced disease.