Identifying Kidney Cancer Causes and Risk Factors in Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey
The causes of kidney cancer are unknown, but we do know that the disease starts when a group of kidney cells develops DNA mutations that begin to rapidly grow and divide. These cells grow to form a tumor and can even spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.
To help patients living throughout Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey better manage their health, Regional Cancer Care Associates makes patient education a priority. By learning about kidney cancer causes and risk factors, you can take steps toward proper prevention and treatment.
Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors
The direct causes of kidney cancer are not completely understood. In light of this, researchers have identified several risk factors that can increase peoples’ risk of developing the disease. Some of these relate to lifestyle and can be managed with simple changes, including:
Smoking
Smoking positively correlates with the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The more a patient smokes, the more heightened his or her risk. Patients can reduce their risk by quitting, but it takes several years for a patient’s risk level to match the lower level of a non-smoker. In other words, the sooner a patient quits smoking, the better.
Obesity
Being overweight (having a body mass index, or BMI, of 25 kg/m2 or higher) or obese (having a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher) elevates risk for developing RCC. Obesity causes certain hormonal changes to occur in the body, and some researchers believe that these effects lead to RCC. Therefore, a healthy diet and exercise regimen is vital to decreasing this risk.
Workplace Exposure
Those who experience workplace exposure to certain substances – including trichloroethylene, an organic solvent used as a degreaser or in refrigeration – are at an increased risk for developing RCC.
Biological Risk Factors
Biological kidney cancer risk factors – from the genes you were born with to your heritage – are beyond your control. Other biological risk factors include:
Sex
On average, RCC is about twice as common in men as it is in women. This difference may be explained by the larger percentage of men who smoke and are exposed to workplace chemicals.
Race
African Americans are slightly more likely to develop RCC than Caucasians. The reasons for this difference are unclear.
Age
The likelihood of developing kidney cancer increases with age.
Genetic and Hereditary Factors
In some people, certain genes can increase their likelihood of developing specific types of cancer. For this reason, at-risk individuals must undergo the necessary screening procedures to keep themselves protected.
Medical History Risk Factors
Current medical conditions, as well as patients’ family histories, can also increase the risk of kidney cancer. These risk factors include:
High Blood Pressure
The higher a patient’s blood pressure, the higher the risk of developing kidney cancer. Unfortunately, taking blood pressure medications does not decrease the risk.
Family History
Patients who have a strong family history of renal cancer have a higher risk of developing it themselves. This risk is highest for those who have a brother or sister with the disease.
Speak With Us Today
Even if you have one or more of these risk factors, you may never develop cancer. Rather, think of these factors as screening tools that at-risk patients can use to stay healthy, with help from Regional Cancer Care Associates. With more than 31 locations across Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey, we make it easy to get screened and treated for many types of cancer. To schedule an evaluation, contact a location near you today.