What Causes Kidney Cancer?

The exact cause of kidney cancer is not always known, but doctors have identified several risk factors that make some people more likely to develop the disease. Kidney cancer begins when the DNA inside kidney cells changes in a way that causes the cells to grow uncontrollably. Over time, these abnormal cells can form a mass, or tumor, that may spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body if untreated.

One of the strongest and most well-established causes is smoking. Chemicals from tobacco enter the bloodstream, and the kidneys filter them out. Long-term exposure to these substances can damage kidney cells and increase the risk of cancer. People who smoke are nearly twice as likely to develop kidney cancer compared to non-smokers.

Obesity is another major factor. Excess body fat changes hormone levels and promotes chronic inflammation, which may encourage cancer growth. Studies have shown that kidney cancer occurs more often in people who are overweight or obese, particularly in men.

High blood pressure (hypertension) has also been linked to kidney cancer, although the reason is not completely clear. It may be due to long-term damage to kidney blood vessels or side effects of some blood pressure medications used over many years. Maintaining healthy blood pressure through diet, exercise, and regular monitoring can help reduce this risk.

Certain genetic conditions can make individuals more susceptible. These include von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease, Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, and tuberous sclerosis. People with these inherited syndromes should undergo regular medical screening because they may develop kidney tumors at a younger age.

Workplace exposure to substances such as asbestos, trichloroethylene (a cleaning solvent), or cadmium can also increase risk, especially with long-term contact. In addition, long-term use of painkillers containing certain anti-inflammatory drugs has been associated with kidney damage and a higher likelihood of cancer, although this link is less common today.

Men are more likely than women to develop kidney cancer, and the risk increases with age, particularly after 50. People with a family history of kidney cancer also face a slightly higher chance of developing the disease.

While not every risk factor can be avoided, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood pressure, and staying physically active can significantly lower the risk. Early detection through imaging tests and regular checkups gives the best chance for successful treatment and recovery.

Looking for more questions?

Visit our Kidney Cancer Questions page for all other topics explained in plain language.

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