The family of Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo has confirmed advanced metastatic kidney cancer as the cause of the actor’s death.
This was contained in a statement issued via his Instagram page on Wednesday. According to Ekubo’s family, the actor died at Evercare Hospital in Lagos following complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Ekubo died on Monday at the age of 40, throwing the entertainment industry and Nigeria into a state of shock and drawing tributes from colleagues and fans.
Since the family revealed metastatic kidney cancer as the cause of his death, it brought renewed attention to the disease, a serious condition many people know little about until it becomes advanced.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer becomes especially dangerous when it spreads from its original location to other parts of the body — a process known as metastasis.
WHO says widespread metastases are one of the major causes of cancer deaths globally.
Here are 15 important things to know about metastatic kidney cancer.
1. Kidney cancer and deadly statistics
According to the World Cancer Research Fund, kidney cancer is the 14th most common cancer worldwide. It is the 10th most common cancer in men and the 13th most common cancer in women.
The fund stated that there were 434,840 new cases of kidney cancer and 155,953 deaths in 2022.
According to the American Cancer Society, the lifetime risk of developing kidney cancer in men is about 1 in 45, while for women, it is about 1 in 75, although each person’s risk can be affected by factors like smoking, age, or family history.
Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys. It happens when cells in one or both kidneys grow out of control and form a tumour.
2. Metastatic Kidney Cancer Means The Cancer Has Spread
Metastatic kidney cancer happens when cancer cells move from the kidney to other parts of the body such as the lungs, liver, bones, lymph nodes, or brain.
Health experts say this is usually considered Stage 4 kidney cancer.
3. WHO Says Metastasis Is One Of The Deadliest Parts Of Cancer
WHO explains that cancer becomes life-threatening when abnormal cells spread beyond their original location into other organs. This is why metastatic cancers are harder to treat than cancers detected early.
4. Kidney Cancer Can Stay Hidden For Years
One major danger is that kidney cancer often develops silently.
Many patients experience no symptoms in the early stages. Some only discover the disease accidentally during scans for another health issue.
5. Blood In Urine Is One Of The Biggest Warning Signs
Medical experts say blood in urine is among the most common symptoms of kidney cancer.
Other symptoms may include:
- Persistent back or side pain
- Extreme tiredness
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Swelling in the legs
6. WHO Warns Many Kidney Diseases Show Symptoms Late
WHO says kidney-related diseases often remain unnoticed until advanced stages.
That is why routine medical checkups are important, especially for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney problems.
7. Smoking Greatly Raises The Risk
Experts have linked smoking to increased kidney cancer risks.
Doctors say tobacco damages blood vessels and kidney tissues over time, increasing the chances of cancer development.
8. Obesity And High Blood Pressure Also Increase Risk
Medical studies show obesity and hypertension are major risk factors for kidney cancer.
Experts believe excess body weight changes hormone levels and increases inflammation in the body.
9. The Lungs Are Often The First Place It Spreads
Doctors say metastatic kidney cancer commonly spreads to the lungs first.
It may also spread to the bones, brain, liver, and lymph nodes. When cancer spreads, symptoms may become more severe.
10. Experts Say Early Detection Improves Survival Chances
WHO says many cancers can be treated more successfully if discovered early.
Health experts encourage people not to ignore persistent symptoms or postpone medical tests.
11. Immunotherapy Has Changed Treatment Options
Cancer specialists say immunotherapy has improved survival chances for some Stage 4 kidney cancer patients.
Modern treatments have helped some patients manage the disease for longer periods than in the past.
12. Mental Health Challenges Are Common
Experts say cancer patients often struggle emotionally after diagnosis.
Fear, anxiety, depression, uncertainty, and financial stress can affect both patients and their families.
Many patients describe the illness as both a physical and emotional battle.
13. Treatment Usually Requires More Than One Method
Doctors may combine several treatments including:
- Surgery
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Radiation
- Medication
- Palliative care
Treatment depends on how far the cancer has spread and the patient’s overall condition.
14. Not Every Stage 4 Diagnosis Means Immediate Death
Some patients with metastatic kidney cancer live for years with treatment and monitoring.
Medical experts say outcomes vary greatly depending on overall health, response to treatment, how early treatment begins, and where the cancer spreads.
15. WHO Encourages Prevention And Healthy Living
WHO says many cancer deaths are linked to preventable lifestyle factors such as smoking, unhealthy diets, obesity, alcohol use, and physical inactivity.
Health experts recommend:
- Regular exercise
- Healthy eating
- Avoiding smoking
- Managing blood pressure
- Going for regular medical checkups
These habits may help lower the risk of kidney cancer and other serious diseases.
