Kidney Cancer Risk Factors
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Understanding Kidney Cancer Risk Factors
The kidneys have several important functions, including balancing the fluids in the body and purifying the blood. Toxins and by-products from metabolism are filtered out as the blood is circulated through the nephrons, which are tiny filtration tubules in the kidneys. The waste, along with the excess water, is converted into urine, transported down the ureter and stored in the bladder until it is emptied by urination from the body.
The most common form of kidney cancer, renal cell carcinomas (RCC), usually develops as a single growth within the lining of the tubules. Generally, the cancer will develop as a singular mass in only one of the kidneys. However, sometimes multiple tumors may occur in one or both of the kidneys.
The risk factors associated with kidney cancer can vary by cancer type. And, although doctors do not know what causes kidney cancer, they have identified some factors that may increase your likelihood of developing malignant kidney tumors.
Risk Factors for Kidney Cancer
Lifestyle, Environmental and Health Factors
- Smoking
- Exposure to chemicals at home or in the workplace:
- Asbestos
- Benzene and some organic solvents
- Cadmium (a type of metal used in the production of batteries, plastics, and other industrial processes)
- Some herbicides
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
Family history of kidney cancer or inherited genetic syndromes:
- Von Hippel-Lindau disease
- Hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma
- Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome
- Hereditary renal oncocytoma
- Phenacetin (an analgesic pain reliever banned by the FDA in 1983)
Other Factors
Age, gender, diet and long-term dialysis may also affect the likelihood of developing kidney cancer. Your risk increases with age, particularly for those over age 50. And for unknown reasons, men may be at a higher risk than women.
High-fat diets may also play a role in the development of RCC; probably because consuming high amounts of fatty foods may increase the likelihood of becoming obese. People who have temporarily or permanently lost the function of their kidneys may also be at a greater risk if they have undergone dialysis.
NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors does not mean that you won't get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.
Managing Risk Factors for Kidney Cancer
Talk to your doctor if you have one or more hereditary risk factor or if a relative has had kidney cancer. Even though most kidney cancers occur sporadically; that is, without known cause, having a family history of cancer may affect your risk of developing the disease. Together, you and your doctor can develop a better understanding of the risk factors associated with this disease.
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