An estimated 80 to 85 percent of all kidney (renal) cancers are renal cell carcinomas. For the most part, the terms tend to be used interchangeably in research reports.

 

An alarming rise in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been reported over the last decade. In the UK, estimates show an increase of 22 percent over the last ten years while in the US, rates in the past three decades have increased by about fifty percent. This increase is attributable to a number of factors that may be interrelated, some of which are preventable.

Research has indicated time and again that smokers are at high risk of RCC, but they cannot conclude that smoking is the actual cause of the disease. Recently, research conducted at the University of Southern California's Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center has found that a combination of obesity and high blood pressure—known to increase RCC risk—are both associated with a process called lipid peroxidation.

In simple terms, lipid (fat) peroxidation occurs when fatty acids combine with oxygen in the body. Some of the byproducts of this chemical process appear to react with DNA in the kidneys. This results in DNA damage, or mutations, that the body tries to repair. If not fullobesityy repaired, some of these mutations in the genes can trigger the formation of malignant cells. These findings are a big step towards finding a cure or preventive measures. Scientists are able to target lipid peroxidation to decrease the likelihood of mortality from kidney cancers.

Cigarette smoking remains the major culprit in the development of RCC, but the incidence of smoking is not rising in proportion to the number of cases of renal cell carcinoma. Obesity, however, is on the rise throughout Europe and the US. In women, the production of estrogen triggered by fat cells further increases the odds of developing RCC.

Morbidly obese individuals—those who are more than 100 pounds overweight—are twice as likely to develop renal cancer. Men and women who are overweight, but not obese, are 35 percent more likely to develop it. British researchers attribute more than one fourth of all kidney cancers to excess body weight.

A diet high in fiber and low in animal fat, combined with a regimen of physical activity several times a week is needed to decrease weight and maintain health.

If you're a smoker, are overweight, and have high blood pressure, you should see your doctor about lifestyle changes, particularly if you're experiencing some of these kidney cancer symptoms:

Even if you're experiencing none of these kidney cancer symptoms, if you are over fifty, and you smoke, have high blood pressure, or are overweight, make screening for RCC a part of your annual checkup. Early detection remains the best means of avoiding serious outcomes.