Being diagnosed with kidney cancer is a daunting and stressful time. Sometimes, it comes after months of investigations and appointments with healthcare professionals. For a newly diagnosed patient, there is rightly an expectation that they will be able to receive the best possible care, as well as the support that they need, throughout their subsequent journey. However, across the country, there is variation in the care that patients receive. This is reflected in the variation in patients’ experiences and outcomes. There needs to be a focus on improving kidney cancer care and outcomes.

In 2019, Bristol Myers Squibb, Kidney Cancer Support Network and Kidney Cancer UK came together to develop a report on the inequalities in access to care and support facing kidney cancer patients in the UK. This Patient Charter builds on that evidence by drawing together the things that patients should be able to expect when they are diagnosed with kidney cancer. This has been developed following a meeting with patient representatives. It is intended to inform policymakers about the barriers to improving kidney cancer patients’ experiences and provides ideas of how services could meet the needs of patients.

Click here to read The Kidney Cancer Patient Charter