What are the causes and risk factors for kidney cancer ?
The risk factors for kidney cancer are numerous. Some of these factors are directly related to an individual's constitution (constitutional factors), while others are related to the environment (environmental factors). It is the interaction between constitutional factors and environmental factors that leads to the development of kidney cancer.
Constitutional factors
Among the constitutional factors, heredity can play a role. About 2 to 3% of kidney cancers are associated with a genetic predisposition. These are referred to as hereditary or familial forms of kidney cancer. They occur at an earlier age compared to non-hereditary forms. Hereditary forms are caused by mutations that are passed down from one generation to the next and are involved in the development of cancer.
One example is von Hippel-Lindau disease, a rare genetic condition characterized by an abnormality in blood vessel formation and a very high risk of developing kidney cancer.
Expert perspective
Von Hippel-Lindau disease is characterized by tumors in the blood vessels, as well as involvement of the liver, pancreas, and adrenal glands. It is often associated with a brain tumor called an hemangioblastoma and kidney cancer. This condition is caused by mutations in a specific gene, the VHL gene.
This gene (a small fragment of DNA) plays an important role in blood vessel formation. Mutations in this gene lead to its inactivation, resulting in abnormalities in blood vessel formation. For individuals with a VHL gene mutation, regular monitoring of both kidneys by ultrasound and/or CT scan is necessary due to the high risk of multiple tumors in one kidney or tumors in both kidneys.
More rarely, other hereditary conditions such as tuberous sclerosis or Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome predispose individuals to kidney cancer.
Familial forms of kidney cancer may be due to genetic predisposition, family lifestyle, chance, or a combination of these factors. The risk of developing kidney cancer is almost doubled if a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) has had kidney cancer (Source: arcagy.com).
Among other constitutional factors, age is a risk factor as kidney cancers are more common in people over 50. Gender is also a constitutional risk factor, with kidney cancers being more frequent in men than in women.
Environmental factors
Several environmental factors are associated with kidney cancer.
Obesity and high blood pressure slightly increase the risk of developing kidney cancer.
Patients with kidney failure who are on dialysis have a tenfold increased risk of developing kidney cancer compared to the general population.
Smokers double their risk of developing kidney cancer compared to non-smokers. Occupational exposure to certain substances such as cadmium, lead, hydrocarbons, or trichloroethylene may increase the risk of developing the disease.
There is particularly increased risk among people working in laundries, especially those handling products used for dry cleaning.
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Article updated on Dec 26, 2024
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