Definition and Risk Factors
When cells within certain tissues in the kidney grow uncontrollably, they form tumors thus kidney cancer occurs. Until now no one can be able to pin point the exact causes of kidney cancer. However, there are risk factors that are associated with the disease that people should try to keep away from. Risk factors are not causes of kidney cancer but they are the things that increase one’s chance of getting the disease. Obese people have a high risk of getting kidney cancer and one should take care to make sure that they do not get the condition. Although long-term dialysis cannot be said to be among what causes kidney cancer, it is definitely a risk factor. People whose kidneys do not function properly often go through a treatment known as dialysis which removes any waste from their blood. However, if the dialysis is done over a long period, the patient could get kidney cancer.
Cigarette Smoking, Gender and Occupation
Cigarette smoking is a very common habit and it is among the risk factors associated with kidney cancer. In some people, the risk is increased by double. It is also important to note that number of cigarettes and the longer one smokes will determine if the greatness of the risk of getting the disease. Gender is also not among the causes of kidney cancer but is also a risk factor. Compared to women, men are more likely to get kidney cancer. One’s occupation could also determine whether they get diagnosed with the disease or not. People whose occupations make them come into contact with some harmful substances and chemicals are at a higher risk. Such people are like workers in the steel and iron industry who work with coke ovens and those who work with cadmium and asbestos.
Von Hippel-Lindau Syndrome
Another factor which cannot be classified under what causes kidney cancer but puts one at risk is the VHL (Von Hippel-Lindau) syndrome. VHL is an uncommon disease which is only found in some families and occurs if there are any changes within the gene of VHL. Abnormal VHL genes do not only increase the kidney cancer risk but also cause tumors or cysts. Other inherited conditions that increase the risk of getting kidney cancer are like tuberous sclerosis, Hereditary non VHL cancer of the renal, Hereditary papillary cancer of the renal and BirtHogg Dube. Having high intake of fat or eating cooked meat in large proportions cannot be said to be among what causes kidney cancer as well but it could increase one’s risk of getting the disease.