Risk Factors for Kidney Cancer

Older age is the main risk fa for kidney cancer, this is mainly due to cell DNA damage accumulating over time. Men are almost twice as likely to develop kidney cancer compared to women. This gender disparity may be due to differences in exposure to risk factors and biological variations.

Obesity is a risk factor for kidney cancer, Kidney cancer risk is 24% higher in men per 5-unit body mass index (BMI) increase, and risk is 33% higher in women per 5-unit BMI increase.

Diet and lifestyle choices play a role in kidney cancer risk. A diet high in red and processed meats has been linked to increased risk, while a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and fibre such as the Mediterranean diet may offer protection. The less you drink the lower your risk of cancer.

Smoking is a well-known modifiable risk factor for kidney cancer. Smoking may double the risk of developing kidney cancer for some people. The longer a person smokes and the more cigarettes they smoke, the greater the risk.

Genetic factors, such as a mutation in the von Hippel-Lindau gene, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome, tuberous sclerosis and hereditary clear cell and papillary renal cell cancer, put people at greater risk of developing the disease.

People with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) with kidney cancer have about double the risk of developing kidney cancer themselves.

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and some types of kidney infections, are linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer. These conditions can cause chronic inflammation or damage to kidney tissues, promoting cancer development. Kidney cancer risk is 41% higher in men with kidney stones, but is not associated with women with kidney stones. Metabolic syndrome is defined as a cluster of metabolic disorders including central obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and dyslipidemia. Results of a meta analyses showed that Metabolic syndrome is independently associated with the risk factor of RCC in the adult population, which is consistent in men and women.

Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or those undergoing long-term dialysis are at a higher risk of developing kidney cancer. CKD can lead to a build-up of waste products and toxins in the kidneys, contributing to cancer development. Long-term dialysis is associated with chronic irritation and potential cellular damage.

Previous thyroid cancer increases the risk of kidney cancer, possibly due to genetic changes that are common to both types of cancer.

Previous radiotherapy for testicular or cervical cancer (cancer of the neck of the womb) may slightly increase the risk of developing kidney cancer.

Long-term regular use of painkillers, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, phenacetin and celebrex is linked to kidney cancer. Over use of antibiotics may be associated with an excess of incident cancer diagnoses and lymphomas, in particular, with overuse or prolonged exposure of main antibiotic classes (e.g., beta-lactams, cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones).

Exposure to certain substances in the workplace, such as X-radiation, gamma-radiation, Trichloroethylene, Plants containing aristolochic acid, and Phenacetin can increase your risk of kidney cancer. Trichloroethylene (TCE) has been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 1 carcinogen, the underlying human data appearing strongest for renal cancer, followed by haematological malignancies and cervical cancer.