Renal cancer or kidney cancer is the abnormal and uncontrollable growth of cells in the lining of the tubules in the kidney which causes harm to the neighboring healthy cells. It affects the normal functioning of the kidney.

Symptoms for renal cancer are blood in urine, back pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, etc.

Causes of renal cancer

Renal cancer begins when the DNA of the nephrons get altered. Some of these cells can break off and spread to other parts of the body. There is no specific cause for the mutation of healthy cells into malignancy but some factors can trigger or heighten the chances of developing renal cancer. Some major renal cancer causes are:

Age

Increase in age can increase one’s chances of acquiring renal cancer. After 40 years of age, one’s body is more prone to renal cancer.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes or cigars doubles the chances of developing renal cancer. The risk can, however, decrease if one quits smoking. It is best recommended to quit by taking part in support groups or by using substitutes.

Gender

Men are more prone to renal cancer than women are to renal cancer.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the most common causes of renal cancer. The high amount of fat in the body can alter hormone levels and secretions causing a disruption in the body. This change can bring about cancer, especially in the kidneys. To prevent this, one should maintain a healthy weight and reduce the intake of unhealthy food. Exercising regularly can also help.

Hypertension

High blood pressure widely exposes one’s body to malignancy. The medication used to treat blood pressure can also add to the risk of developing kidney cancer. By working towards reducing and maintaining healthy blood pressure, one can eliminate this particular risk.

Kidney problems

Having a history of kidney problems like kidney failure can be one of the major renal cancer causes. The treatment (dialysis) administered for kidney failure, especially over a long period of time can heighten the chances of acquiring renal cancer. Having a family history of kidney problems or kidney cancer can also increase one’s risk of developing it too.

Inheritance of certain syndromes

Some people who are born with genetic disorders such as Hippel-Lindau disease, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome, papillary renal cell carcinoma, tuberous sclerosis complex, etc., may have an increased risk of developing renal cancer.

Exposure to harsh substances

Some substances such as cadmium, asbestos, benzene, herbicides, etc., can be harmful to one’s body. It might cause some of the body’s cells to turn malignant.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that fights the immune system. This, in turn, causes the occurrence of renal cancer.

Although these reasons account for most cases of renal cancer, one might acquire this condition with none of these risks playing a role. These renal cancer causes are merely risk factors which are best avoided but one can never fully be assured of never acquiring kidney cancer.