The James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer launched on Wednesday 27 September 2006 at Pete Waterman’s Studio in London. James was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2000
and lost a kidney but thankfully made a full recovery. However, his experience highlighted the lack of awareness surrounding the disease.

Over 16 people a day in the UK are diagnosed with kidney cancer - a disease which claims more lives each year than
road traffic accidents. James realised that statistics like this meant his story was far from unique and decided to take action to increase awareness and raise funds for research and treatment facilities.

James says, “Kidney cancer is the 10th most prevalent cancer amongst men over 50 and increasingly more so in women, yet no-one seems to know about it. I have experienced firsthand the devastating effects this disease can have and I want to make sure that more people are aware of the symptoms so we can catch more cases earlier. We also need to raise money to fund research into how to beat this disease.”

Tim O’Brien, consultant urologist at Guys Hospital London, was James’ surgeon: “ As with the majority of cancers, catching kidney cancer in the early stages is crucial, it can mean that
a kidney can be saved rather then having to be removed. Patients who experience the symptoms should see their
GP straight away for a diagnosis. The earlier we can intervene in this cancer’s progression, the more kidneys and lives
we can save.”

The James Whale Fund for Kidney Cancer has some high profile supporters including Nicholas Owen, a fellow survivor of the disease, and Pete Waterman – pop impresario. If you would like to offer your support, make a donation or inquire about how to fundraise please visit www.jameswhalefund.org.

Usually the first symptom that a person notices is blood in the urine. Other symptoms include persistent pain in the back, below the ribs or in the side, loss of weight and high temperatures. Anaemia can also occur, often as a result of passing blood in the urine.