According to Merck, kidney cancer accounts for 2 to 3 percent of all cases of adult cancer. Also called renal cancer, kidney cancer is a very serious condition that can metastasize, or spread, to different organs throughout the body. The cancer can also destroy the tissue of the kidney and result in loss of kidney function. To prevent the disease from spreading and causing renal failure, early detection is key. The Mayo Clinic states that the causes of kidney cancer are not well understood, but risk factors are known. Patients who have risk factors should be screened more frequently and at an earlier age.
Smoking
Smoking has been related to many forms of cancer. Merck lists smoking as a high risk factor for developing kidney cancer. Smokers may have more than double the risk of developing kidney cancer compared to non-smokers. The increased risk may be contributed to the various chemicals that are contained in cigarette smoke.
Family History
A small percentage of people inherit genes that increase their chances of developing kidney cancer. CancerHelp UK states that genetics play an important role in the development of cancer. Genes control the growth of cells, and a gene that is functioning improperly can predispose the body to cancer. Some genetic diseases have been shown to cause renal cancer. These include Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, tuberous sclerosis and Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome.
Exposure to Chemicals
Some patients with kidney cancer have been exposed to chemicals. CancerHelp UK reports that there is evidence that working with certain types of ovens or furnaces increases the chances of developing kidney cancer. Exposure to asbestos, cadmium and organic solvents has also been shown to cause kidney cancer. Asbestos has largely been eradicated in the modern workplace, but workers in numerous occupations were exposed to asbestos in the past. Industries that may increase the risk of kidney cancer include dry cleaning, petrochemical and construction. Certain occupations, such as car mechanics and shipyard workers, also have a higher chance of being exposed to unsafe materials.
Obesity
Patients who have a body mass index higher than 30 are considered obese and have a higher chance of developing kidney cancer, according to CancerHelp UK. The organization reports that obesity disturbs the hormonal balance of the body. The changes in the body's hormones may lead to the development of renal cancer.
Dialysis Treatment
MedlinePlus reports that patients who need dialysis, a treatment that filters a patient's blood when the kidneys do not work at full potential, have a much higher risk of getting renal cancer compared to the general population. This is probably due to the underlying kidney disease that requires the patient to undergo the dialysis treatment, rather than the dialysis itself.
