Kidney cancer
Last update
There have been 953 new cases of kidney cancer registered in Norway in 2024. Most people diagnosed with kidney cancer are between 60 and 80 years old. The disease affects men more often than women.
About kidney cancer
The incidence of kidney cancer in Norway is similar to that of many other Western European countries, including the Nordic countries.
Kidney cancer usually develops slowly and rarely causes symptoms in the early stages when the tumor is small.
The disease is primarily treated surgically. For some patients, medication, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may also be suitable treatment options.
Key figures kidney cancer 2024
Number of new cases
Men: 654
Women: 299
Rates - number of cases per 100,000
Men: 21.4
Women: 9.2
Five-year relative survival (2020-2024)
Men: 80.7 %
Women: 83.6 %
Cancer survivors - both genders
9,956 people as of 31.12.2024
Deaths (2023)
Men: 166Women: 83
Accumulated risk of developing kidney cancer by age 80 (2020-2024)
Men: 2.0 %
Women: 0.9 %
Risk factors
- Chronic kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Men who have received radiation therapy for testicular cancer and women who have received radiation therapy for cervical cancer, as well as those who have had thyroid cancer, have a slightly increased risk.
- Frequent use of painkillers and diuretics
Kidney cancer is hereditary in about 2% of cases, either due to von Hippel-Lindau disease or other very rare hereditary conditions. This is most common in young people and often affects both kidneys.
Source: Norwegian Cancer Society
Questions about cancer
The Cancer Registry of Norway is a research institution. Our professionals therefore do not answer questions about diagnosis, assessment, treatment and follow-up from patients or their relatives.
Inquiries about this information should be directed to your general practitioner, treating institution, or the Norwegian Cancer Society's advisory service at phone: +47 21 49 49 21