Differences in Characteristics of Kidney Cancer in Children and Adults
Jakarta — A paediatric haemato-oncology specialist from Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung, Dr Nur Melani Sp.A Subsp.HO(K), has outlined the distinct differences in kidney cancer characteristics between children and adults, observable through cellular development patterns and cancer types.
“In children, cancer typically occurs due to developmental cell abnormalities that are genetically complex in nature. These cancers usually develop early in life and are unrelated to particular lifestyle or behavioural patterns,” Nur explained during an online discussion with the Indonesian Paediatric Association (IDAI) in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Generally, the most common cancer type in children is leukaemia or blood cancer, which accounts for approximately 30 to 40 per cent of childhood cancers, with the remainder being solid tumours.
Regarding kidney cancer specifically, Nur explained that risk factors for malignant kidney cancer in children typically stem not from lifestyle choices but from genetic conditions such as nephroblastoma or Wilms tumour.
Kidney cancer arising from immature cells typically peaks between ages 5-9 years. Approximately 90 per cent of malignant kidney tumours or kidney cancers affect one kidney, 72 per cent affect both kidneys, and 10 per cent spread to other organs.
“Childhood cancer has never shown an age shift to date. This is because childhood cancer occurs when developing cells are in the process of maturation or development. There is therefore no connection to nutritional factors or other such elements,” she noted.
Nur explained that kidney cancer in children is epidemiologically classified as a rare cancer. With proper diagnosis and treatment, cure rates can reach 80-90 per cent within the first five years following diagnosis.
Promoting healthy lifestyle habits is necessary to reduce kidney cancer severity in both children and adults, particularly through dietary choices. Avoiding foods that can impair kidney function — such as foods with preservatives, ultra-processed foods, and sweetened products — is recommended.