Reducing your risk for kidney cancer

You may lower your risk of developing kidney cancer by doing the following.

Live smoke-free

Smoking tobacco increases the risk for kidney cancer. If you smoke, get help to quit smoking.

Have a healthy body weight

Research shows that overweight and obesity increases your risk for kidney cancer. You can lower your risk by having a healthy body weight. Eating well and being physically active can help you have a healthy body weight.

Keep high blood pressure under control

If you have high blood pressure, talk to your healthcare team about ways you can keep it under control.

Follow health and safety guidelines at work

Coming into contact with trichloroethylene (TCE) increases your risk for kidney cancer. Having contact with cadmium and welding fumes may also put you at risk. Following health and safety guidelines can help you lower your contact with these chemicals at work.

More information about reducing your risk of cancer

Learn how cancer can be prevented and what you can do to reduce your risk.

Expert review and references

  • Chow WH, Scelo G, Tarone RE . Renal Cancer. Thun MJ (ed.). Schottenfeld and Fraumeni Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention. 4th ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 2018: 51:961-976.
  • Lane BR, Canter DJ, Rin BL, et al . Cancer of the kidney. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015: 63:865-884.
  • American Institute for Cancer Research, World Cancer Research Fund . Continuous Update Project Report: Diet, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Kidney Cancer . 2015 : https://www.aicr.org/research/the-continuous-update-project/.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

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