Addison Rae's Family's Kidney Cancer Struggles & Triumphs
- TikTok star Addison Rae, 21, shares in a new interview how her grandpa’s kidney cancer impacted her and her family.
- Rae’s grandpa is now a survivor of kidney cancer he successfully beat his cancer.
- Symptoms of kidney cancer can include blood in the urine, lower back pain, a mass on the lower back, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
In a recent interview with Variety, Rae reflects on the impact of her grandpa’s cancer. “A lot of my memories of him from when I was young was in the hospital," she says. "It was rough for my family to go through that. But luckily, my pawpaw is a very strong man who still to this day tries to do everything he did when he was 20 years old. He's very inspiring."
Read MoreUnderstanding Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancers can develop in adults or children. There are two main types of kidney cancer that occur in adults: Renal cell cancer and transitional cell cancer. This year, approximately 79,000 new cases of kidney cancer will be diagnosed. Men have nearly double the risk of kidney cancer compared to women, with approximately 50,000 kidney cancer cases occurring in men, and over 28,000 occurring in women.
Kidney cancer can be treated with surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these different treatments. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), signs and symptoms of kidney cancer can include the following:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Low back pain on one side (not caused by injury)
- A mass (lump) on the side or lower back
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss not caused by dieting
- Fever that is not caused by an infection and that doesn't go away
- Anemia (low red blood cell counts)
Coping with a Grandparent’s Cancer Diagnosis
Many people find that therapy is a helpful way to process the emotions that come with a loved one’s like a grandparent’s cancer diagnosis. A talented therapist, social worker, or psychologist can help you work through your emotions in a safe environment.
Oncological social workers are a great resource for when your family is going through a cancer battle. In an earlier interview, social worker Sarah Stapleton explains what social workers like her can offer for cancer fighters. "I think it's super important to see a social worker," she says, "I think there's a networking that they can assist you with."
"And they really have the strongest knowledge of the resources available to get you through the process. It's meeting the patient and understanding the patient's needs and understanding what it is you need in this very moment, whether that be financial resources, whether it be related to your insurance, transportation, or ultimately, the emotional process of getting through cancer treatment," says Stapleton.
The Value of Using a Social Worker During Treatment
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