Shining a Light on Kidney Cancer: Kidney Cancer Association Mobilizes Communities this March

HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#KidneyCancerAwarenessMonth–Each March, communities across the country unite for Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight one of the most prevalent and increasingly diagnosed cancers. Kidney cancer is one of the 10 most common cancers for both men and women in the U.S., and it’s estimated that nearly 81,000 people will be diagnosed in 2026 alone.

The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA), a global community dedicated to serving and empowering patients and caregivers and leading change through advocacy, research and education, is spearheading activities to elevate public understanding of the disease and fuel progress and hope for every person impacted by kidney cancer.

This month serves as an opportunity to create awareness of the signs, symptoms, and risk factors, improve early detection and support continued research — all crucial ways to bring attention to a type of cancer that often has no early symptoms.

Kidney Cancer Association Awareness Activities

Throughout March, the KCA leads nationwide initiatives encouraging individuals, families, and communities to get involved and take visible action under theme “Unstoppable Together.” Key awareness efforts include:

• City Illuminations across the country: Landmarks and buildings across the country will #OrangeUp and glow orange during various times of the month to raise awareness about kidney cancer in local communities. See list of cities here.
• #OrangeUp for kidney cancer: Orange is the national kidney cancer awareness color, and the KCA encourages community members to show their support by wearing orange and sharing photos and stories via the #OrangeUp hashtag on social media.
• KCA Challenge: 81K Strong kickoff: The KCA’s annual fundraiser begins March 1 and lasts through World Kidney Cancer Day on June 18, 2026. In recognition of the 81,000 people who will receive a kidney cancer diagnosis this year, teams or individuals can create unique 81-themed challenges — from miles walked, to minutes exercised or other creative goals — to complete during this timeframe, all while raising awareness and funds for kidney cancer research.
• Honor Wall: The KCA invites the public to celebrate and remember the individuals impacted by kidney cancer through its virtual Honor Wall, creating a powerful, collective tribute to those impacted by the disease.

“Kidney cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage because it can develop without clear early symptoms,” said Gretchen E. Vaughan, President and CEO, Kidney Cancer Association. “That’s why robust and sustained investment in research is critical to improve early detection tools and advance new treatment options to improve outcomes for patients.”

More than 675,000 people currently live with kidney cancer, and research support is vital to continue to fuel progress for scientific advancements for patients. Congress recently restored $15 million to the federal Kidney Cancer Research Program — a step in the right direction that reaffirms that awareness and advocacy can lead to change.

To learn more about kidney cancer and to participate in the KCA community during Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, visit kidneycancer.org, engage on social using #OrangeUp via Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, listen to the Kidney Cancer Unfiltered podcast, and more.

About the Kidney Cancer Association

The Kidney Cancer Association was founded in 1990 by Eugene P. Schonfeld and a small group of patients and doctors in Chicago, Illinois and has grown into an international non-profit organization. The KCA promotes scientific advances through two annual research symposiums and a robust grant program, participates in legislative advocacy, and seeks to be a source of education and resources for patients, caregivers, and anyone impacted by kidney cancer.

Contacts

Media Contacts:
Radha Chitale
Senior Director of Communications
1-800-850-9132
 | [email protected]

Laureen Lucas
832-671-8787 | [email protected]