M Health Fairview Cancer Care is home to the Institute for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, created in 2005 to focus on the most common genitourinary cancers, such as kidney cancer.
Overview
Kidney cancer, one of the most common cancers found in the United States, occurs when there's an abnormal growth of cells in the kidneys. Renal-cell cancer is the most common type of kidney cancer, affecting mostly adults over the age of 40. Most kidney cancer is discovered accidentally during imaging for other issues. If the kidney cancer has not spread outside of the kidney, most patients will be successfully treated by surgery alone.
Our approach
M Health Fairview Cancer Care is home to the Institute for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, created in 2005 to focus on the most common genitourinary cancers, such as kidney cancer. Our care team is nationally and internationally recognized for their leadership in the treatment of genitourinary cancers.
We have developed techniques to remove the kidney tumor and spare the unaffected portion of the kidney in most cases of kidney cancer, even when other surgeons have said the entire kidney must be removed. We use the latest robotic surgical technology to remove most kidney tumors and patients are out of the hospital and back to life in a fraction of the time.
Expert care for kidney cancer
M Health Fairview Cancer Care specialists focus on urologic surgery, medical oncology, and radiation therapy. They work together to bring the best possible resources and care to patients.
A personalized approach
At the institute, our cancer experts work together as a multidisciplinary team to share knowledge, collaborate, and consult on each patient’s condition. We understand that no two people—and no two cancers—are alike. So we work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets both your medical and personal needs.
Most of our providers are also members of the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in the Twin Cities: Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota. This enables our doctors to participate in extensive research stay at the leading-edge of new therapies and treatment options for patients with bladder cancer, including the world’s only randomized study of robotic surgery for bladder cancer.
Providing support when you need it most
Peer-to-Peer Program
Patients recently diagnosed with cancer may find it helpful to speak with someone who has been through treatment and learned how to manage the same disease. Through our Peer-to-Peer Program, patients and family members share experiences and support each other.
Patient Library
The library houses printed and online resources that provide patients with treatment and recovery information for their specific diseases and conditions.
Pre-Surgical Class
A mandatory class prepares patients for surgery by giving them a realistic overview of the hospital experience, decreasing anxiety and preparing them and their families for post-discharge care.
Supportive Cancer Care Program by Palliative Care
We improve patients’ quality of life by treating symptoms related to their cancer. We provide palliative care in conjunction with a patient's regular medical treatment.
Dietary Services
Our registered dietitians help patients eat right as they receive cancer treatment, educating them about nutritional guidelines, appetite problems and eating difficulties, food safety, and supplements.
Climb 4 Kidney Cancer
We host the state’s largest gathering of kidney cancer patients and their families at the Annual Climb for Kidney Cancer fundraising event at TCF Bank Stadium. This event helps raise awareness and honors those who so bravely fight kidney cancer.
