Kidney Cancer (cont.)
Kidney cancer: Who's at risk?
Kidney cancer develops most often in people over 40, but no one knows the
exact causes of this disease. Doctors can seldom explain why one person develops
kidney cancer and another does not. However, it is clear that kidney cancer is
not contagious. No one can "catch" the disease from another person.
Research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than
others to develop kidney cancer. A risk factor is anything that increases a
person's chance of developing a disease.
Studies have found the following risk factors for kidney cancer:
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking
is a major risk factor. Cigarette smokers are twice as likely as
nonsmokers to develop kidney cancer. Cigar smoking also may increase the risk
of this disease.
- Obesity: People
who are obese have an increased risk of kidney cancer.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure increases
the risk of kidney cancer.
- Long-term dialysis: Dialysis is a treatment for
people whose kidneys do not work well. It removes wastes from the blood. Being
on dialysis for many years is a risk factor for kidney cancer.
- Von
Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome: VHL is a rare disease that runs in some families.
It is caused by changes in the VHL gene. An abnormal VHL gene increases the risk
of kidney cancer. It also can cause cysts or tumors in
the eyes, brain, and other parts of the body. Family members of those with
this syndrome can have a test to check for the abnormal VHL gene. For people
with the abnormal VHL gene, doctors may suggest ways to improve the detection
of kidney cancer and other diseases before symptoms develop.
- Occupation: Some people have a higher risk of
getting kidney cancer because they come in contact with certain chemicals or
substances in their workplace. Coke oven workers in the iron and steel industry
are at risk. Workers exposed to asbestos or cadmium
also may be at risk.
- Gender:
Males are more likely than females to be diagnosed with kidney cancer. Each year
in the United States, about 20,000 men and 12,000 women learn they have kidney
cancer.
Most people who have these risk factors do not get kidney cancer. On the
other hand, most people who do get the disease have no known risk factors.
People who think they may be at risk should discuss this concern with their
doctor. The doctor may be able to suggest ways to reduce the risk and can plan
an appropriate schedule for checkups.
Next: What are the symptoms of kidney cancer? »
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