What does kidney cancer do to you?

What leads to kidney cancer?

• What are some factors that could lead to kidney cancer? Is being an alcoholic one of them? Mom has CT scan today. =(

• Answer:

  Alcohol is not a major risk factor for renal carcinomas. From - http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_What_are_the_risk_factors_for_kidney_cancer_22.asp "Scientists have found several risk factors that may make you more likely to develop kidney cancer." "Lifestyle-Related and Job-Related Risk Factors Smoking Smoking increases the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma. The increased risk seems to be related to the amount you smoke. The risk drops if you stop smoking, but it takes many years to approach the level of someone who never smoked. Obesity People who are very overweight have a higher risk of developing renal cell cancer. Some doctors think obesity is a factor in about 2 out of 10 people who get this cancer. Obesity may cause changes in certain hormones that can lead to renal cell carcinoma. Workplace Exposures Many studies have suggested that workplace exposure to certain substances increases the risk for renal cell carcinoma. Some of these are asbestos, cadmium (a type of metal), some herbicides, benzene, and organic solvents, particularly trichloroethylene." "Genetic and Hereditary Risk Factors Some people inherit a tendency to develop certain types of cancer. The DNA that you inherit from your parents may have certain changes that account for this tendency to develop cancer. Kidney cancer can be caused by some rare inherited conditions. People who have these conditions have a much higher risk for getting kidney cancer, although they account for only a small portion of cases overall."