The causes of cancer of the kidney

Very little is known about the causes of cancer of the kidney. Research has shown that cigarette smoking increases the risk of developing cancer of the kidney. This cancer has also been linked to particular materials used in some industries, including cadmium, asbestos and lead (used in paints).

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, chronic kidney failure or high blood pressure (hypertension), may also increase the risk of developing cancer of the kidney.

A small number of people who have an inherited condition known as von Hippel-Lindau syndrome are at a slightly increased risk of developing cancer of the kidney. Occasionally, certain types of cancer of the kidney will affect two or more members of the same family. If this occurs other family members may be at an increased risk themselves.

Cancer of the kidney affects more men than women and occurs most commonly in middle-aged and older people, although there is an uncommon type (Wilms’ tumour, also known as nephroblastoma) that affects very young children.

Cancer of the kidney, like other cancers, is not infectious and so cannot be passed on to other people. Usually only one kidney is affected. It is very rare for cancer to occur in the other kidney.