Kidney cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the kidneys, the organs responsible for filtering the blood and eliminating waste from the body.

The exact cause of kidney cancer is still unknown, but there are several factors that can increase your risk of developing this disease. Understanding these risks can help you take steps to reduce your chances of getting kidney cancer and detect it early if it does occur.

Age

As with many types of cancer, age is a significant risk factor for kidney cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of kidney cancer increases as you get older and most people diagnosed with kidney cancer are over 60 years old.

However, kidney cancer can occur at any age, so it’s important to be vigilant and aware of your body even if you’re young.

Smoking

Smoking is a well-known risk factor for kidney cancer. According to the National Kidney Foundation, smokers are twice as likely to develop kidney cancer as non-smokers.

The longer you smoke and the more cigarettes you smoke each day, the greater your risk.

Obesity

Obesity is another significant risk factor for kidney cancer. This is because excess body fat can cause changes in hormone levels that can increase the risk of kidney cancer.

Additionally, obesity is linked to other health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which can further increase your risk of kidney cancer.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that can also increase your risk of kidney cancer.

This is because high blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, which can lead to changes in the kidney cells and increase the risk of cancer.

Chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys gradually lose function over time. People with chronic kidney disease may be at increased risk of kidney cancer, although the exact reason for this is not yet clear.

If you have chronic kidney disease, it’s important to talk to your doctor about kidney cancer and any additional steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Heredity

In some cases, kidney cancer may be hereditary, meaning it runs in families. If you have a family history of kidney cancer, you may be at increased risk of developing the disease yourself.

Genetic testing and counseling may be recommended if you have a family history of kidney cancer.

Gender

Men are slightly more likely than women to develop kidney cancer. Additionally, certain types of kidney cancer, such as clear cell renal cell carcinoma, are more commonly diagnosed in men than women.

Race

Some studies have found that African Americans and Native Americans may be at increased risk of kidney cancer compared to other racial groups. The reasons for this difference are not clear.

Exposure to certain substances

Exposure to certain substances, such as asbestos, cadmium, and organic solvents, may increase the risk of kidney cancer.

If you work in an industry where you are exposed to these substances, it’s important to take appropriate safety precautions and talk to your doctor about any potential risks.

Conclusion

Knowing your risk factors for kidney cancer is an important step in protecting your health.

If you are at increased risk, talk to your doctor about steps you can take to reduce your risk of kidney cancer, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular check-ups. Additionally, be alert for any signs or symptoms of kidney cancer, such as blood in the urine or back pain, and report these to your doctor right away.