KIDNEY CANCER RISK FACTORS

Tobacco use is a strong risk factor for kidney cancer, with the largest increased risk for cancer of the renal pelvis, particularly among heavy smokers. Additional risk factors for renal cell carcinoma include obesity, to which an estimated 30% of cases can be attributed; hypertension (high blood pressure); chronic renal failure; and occupational exposure to certain chemicals, such as trichloroethylene, an industrial agent used as a metal degreaser and chemical additive. Radiation exposure (e.g., in medical procedures) slightly increases risk. A small proportion of renal cell cancers are the result of rare hereditary conditions (e.g., von Hippel-Lindau disease and hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma). source: American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2013. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2013.