Beyond lung cancer: How smoking increases risk of kidney cancer
New Delhi: As per a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology in June 2022, with an increase in levels of smoking, there is a relative decrease in renal function in our body. The results of a subgroup analysis conducted by the center indicated that in young people, by advocating smoking cessation early, chronic kidney diseases among the population could be significantly reduced.
Speaking on the urgent need for youngsters to reduce smoking not only to save the lungs but also the kidneys, Dr Sachin Arakere Nataraj, Program Director & Head - Aster Centre for Uro-Oncology, Robotic Surgery and Men's Health, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, said that the toxic chemicals that individuals consume when they smoke not only remain in the lungs but also circulate throughout the body via blood, ultimately passing through the kidneys as well. “If people keep smoking for a while, it can destroy the nephrons and lead to the onset of cancer. This doubles the chances of smokers developing kidney carcinoma than non-smokers,” Dr Nataraj said.
How immediate quitting benefits kidney health: Dr Nataraj said that quitting smoking immediately starts helping the body to heal itself while keeping the kidneys healthy and lowering the chances of kidney cancer. He said, “Staying hydrated, maintaining an active lifestyle, regularly checking your blood pressure levels, and consuming a healthy diet can also be followed to improve your kidney health. Kidney cancer is a type where recognizing the symptoms becomes hard, as they are quite subtle. Hence, it becomes essential to practice caution and cut down on smoking to lead a better and healthier life,” he added.
Do not ignore kidney health: While our lungs take most of the heat for smoking-related cancers, the kidneys and urinary tract suffer silently, said Dr Vishnu Prasad, Consultant - Urologist, Uro-oncologist, and Robotic Surgeon, Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur. “Smoking is a well-established risk factor for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and upper tract urothelial cancer (UTUC)—two serious but often overlooked consequences of lighting up,” Dr Prasad added.
The doctor said that kidneys act as our body’s natural filters, and when one inhales tobacco’s toxic cocktail, laden with carcinogens like cadmium and nitrosamines, they don’t vanish into thin air. “Instead, they pass through the kidneys and urinary tract, damaging cells along the way. Over time, this can lead to malignant changes in both the kidney tissue and the delicate lining of the ureter and renal pelvis. Smokers are up to twice as likely to develop RCC and have up to a fourfold increased risk of UTUC compared to non-smokers. The risk climbs with the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of the habit,” he added.
Dr Prasad’s message for the youth: The body has a remarkable ability to recover. Quitting smoking gradually reduces cancer risk, especially over a decade or more. So, if you’re looking for a reason to stub it out, listen to your kidneys. They’re doing the dirty work, and they deserve a cleaner stream.
Speaking of health adversities that ex-smokers face, Dr Sanyo Dsouza, Consultant Medical Oncology, KMC Hospital Dr B R Ambedkar Circle, Mangalore said that ex-smokers still have an elevated risk relative to never smokers if they quit, but the risk declines over time. “Smoking can also worsen outcomes for people with kidney cancer who are already diagnosed, making the disease progress faster and making treatment less effective. For smokers, quitting is hands down the most effective method to lower the risk. Getting regular check-ups, achieving a healthful weight, and managing blood pressure is also paramount,” he added.