Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is cancer of the kidneys. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter blood. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer and accounts for more than 90% of kidney cancer cases. Like other cancers, renal cell carcinoma begins small and grows larger over time. Normally, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) will grow as a single mass within the kidneys; however, there can be multiple tumors in the kidney. Sometimes tumors can be found in both kidneys at the same time.

Some renal cell carcinomas are noticed only after they have become quite large. Most are found before spreading to other organs through the bloodstream or lymph system. Like most cancers, renal cell carcinoma is difficult to treat once it has spread.

Fact: According to the Illinois State Cancer Registry, in 2021, 2,786 new cases of kidney and renal pelvic cancer will be diagnosed in Illinois. Of these, 1,758 will be in men and 1,028 will be in women. In 2021, 528 Illinoisans died from kidney and renal pelvic cancer. Most renal cell carcinomas occur in adults between the ages of 50 and 70 years. Renal cell carcinomas rarely develop in children and young adults.

Researchers have found several important risk factors for renal cell carcinoma. They are beginning to understand how these risk factors can alter the DNA of kidney cells and cause these cells to become cancerous.

The common risk factors include:

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor. It increases the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma by about 40%.

Renal cell carcinoma is about twice as common in men.

People who are obese have an increased risk of kidney cancer.

Several studies have found that inactive people are more likely to develop kidney cancer than people who exercise regularly.

Many studies suggest that workplace exposure to certain chemicals and substances increases the risk for renal cell carcinoma. Some of these are asbestos, cadmium (a metal type), herbicides, benzene, and organic solvents, particularly trichloroethylene.

People with a close family history of renal cell cancer, particularly a brother or sister, have a much greater chance of developing this cancer.

High blood pressure increases the risk of kidney cancer. People with both high blood pressure and obesity may have a risk that is three times greater than expected.

Long-term kidney dialysis is a risk factor for kidney cancer.

Common symptoms of kidney cancer include:

• blood in the urine (hematuria)
• low back pain on one side, not associated with injury
• a mass or lump in the abdomen
• fatigue
• unintentional weight loss
• fever that is not associated with a cold, flu, or other infection and does not go away after a few weeks
• swelling of ankles and legs (edema)

An infection, cyst, or other problem can also cause the same symptoms. It is important to report any of these symptoms to a doctor.

Many cases of renal cell carcinoma can be prevented. To lower your risk:

• Stop smoking—cigarette smoking is responsible for a large percentage of cases
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get treatment for high blood pressure
• Exercise and eat adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables
• Avoid workplace exposure to large amounts of harmful substances such as cadmium, asbestos, and organic solvents

• American Cancer Society
• National Cancer Institute
• Kidney Cancer Association