According to a study, moderate kidney disease increases an older man's risk of developing certain cancers. Given that chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects about a third of older men, maintaining kidney function could help prevent cancer in the general population.

People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk of developing cancer, but little is known about the cancer risks of individuals with milder kidney dysfunction. Germaine Wong and colleagues studied data from 3654 Australians aged 49 to 97 years who were followed for an average of 10 years. They observed individuals who had decreased kidney function for an increased risk of developing cancer.

The researchers discovered that men with moderate kidney dysfunction had a 39% increased risk of developing cancer over the risk seen in men with normal kidney function. Risk increased as kidney function declined, and men with significant kidney dysfunction had a three-fold increased risk of cancer above normal. The risk for lung and urinary tract cancers, but not prostate cancer, was higher among men with kidney disease.

Some evidence suggests that inflammation caused by CKD may contribute to the development of cancer. Other studies have found an association between Vitamin D deficiency, which is highly prevalent among people with moderately reduced kidney function, and increased cancer risk. Additional research is needed to uncover the underlying mechanisms involved in the cancer-kidney disease link found in this study and to explain why a link was not found in women.

According to Dr. Wong, "Men with CKD should be aware of cancer prevention and screening for early detection," she said. "CKD prevention may be a worthwhile strategy for preventing and reducing cancer risk in the general population."

Related Articles


Prostate Cancer Therapy Increases Risk of Bone and Heart Side Effects Prostate cancer patients who undergo therapy to decrease testosterone levels increase their risk of developing bone and heart related side effects.   Medical

Compounds in Processed Meats Linked to Increased Bladder Cancer Risk A new study suggests that consuming specific compounds in meat related to processing methods may be associated with an increased risk of developing bladder cancer. The

Over 40 Per Cent in Britain Unaware Poor Diet May Increase Cancer Risk Over 40 per cent of people in Britain are unaware that eating a poor diet may increase their risk of developing cancer, new research shows. A survey commissioned

Evidence Suggests Mediterranean Diet May Prevent Prostate Cancer Evidence relating diet and prostate cancer was recently reviewed, suggesting that a traditional Cretan Mediterranean style diet based on a variety of plant foods

Soy Intake Associated With Reduced Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence Although there is a concern regarding the safety of soy food consumption among breast cancer survivors, researchers have found that women in China who had breast

References:
1. Germaine Wong, et al. Association of CKD and Cancer Risk in Older People. American Society of Nephrology. doi 10.1681/ASN.2008090998.

Add comment

User Name (Required)

E-mail (Required - Never shown publicly)

Website (Optional)

Notify me of follow-up comments

If you cannot read the code click to refresh for a new code.

Add comment

Cancel