The family of Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has confirmed that advanced metastatic kidney cancer was the cause of his death. The 40-year-old star passed away at Evercare Hospital in Lagos from complications of the disease. His family described him as courageous during his brief battle with the illness.

Metastatic kidney cancer — also called stage 4 kidney cancer or stage 4 renal cell carcinoma — is the most advanced form of the disease. Here’s what you need to know about it.

1. The Numbers

Kidney cancer is the 14th most common cancer in the world. It ranks 10th in men and 13th in women. In 2022, there were about 434,840 new cases and 155,953 deaths globally. Men have about a 1 in 45 lifetime risk of developing it, while women have about a 1 in 75 risk. Smoking, age, and family history all play a role.

2. “Metastatic” Means It Has Spread

At stage 4, the cancer has spread beyond the kidney to other parts of the body — most commonly the lungs, but also the bones, liver, brain, or other organs. This makes it much harder to treat than early-stage cancer, which is still confined to the kidney.

3. Symptoms Often Show Up Late

Early kidney cancer usually has no obvious signs. By the time it becomes metastatic, symptoms may include blood in the urine, ongoing back or side pain, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, anaemia, or a lump in the abdomen.

4. Who Is at Risk?

Major risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, long-term use of certain pain medications, family history, and certain genetic conditions. It is more common in men and typically appears around age 60 to 65, though it can affect younger people too.

5. It’s Often Found Late

Studies show that about one in three kidney cancer cases has already spread by the time they are diagnosed. This late detection makes treatment much more challenging.

6. Survival Rates Are Low but Improving

The five-year survival rate for metastatic kidney cancer is about 15 to 19%. Without modern treatment, median survival has historically been 6 to 12 months. But outcomes vary widely depending on the person and how they respond to treatment.

7. Treatment Has Come a Long Way

Today’s options include targeted therapies (like tyrosine kinase inhibitors), immunotherapy, surgery to remove the primary tumor or some metastases, radiation, and palliative care. Combining treatments has led to better outcomes in recent years.

8. Early Detection Makes a Huge Difference

When caught early and still confined to the kidney, the five-year survival rate is over 90%. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor promptly if you notice blood in your urine or persistent back pain.

9. The Disease Can Be Unpredictable

Some people decline quickly, while others respond well to treatment and live for years. The outlook depends on factors like how many places the cancer has spread to, the person’s overall health, and the nature of the tumour.

10. Awareness and Prevention Matter

You can lower your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, controlling your blood pressure, and paying attention to warning signs. Awareness saves lives — and early detection is the best defence.