Most kidney cancers (about 85%) are renal cell carcinomas that develop within the kidney tissue.
A less common type of kidney cancer is called transitional cell carcinoma, which arises in the fibrous lining of the kidney that joins with the ureter to take urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Incidence
Nationwide there were 3082 new cases of kidney cancer in 2012
Risk of diagnosisbefore age 75
Men: 1 in 76 
Women: 1 in 151
Causes/Risk Factors
The causes of kidney cancer are not fully understood.
Some factors known to increase the risk are:
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Family history of kidney cancer
Supporting body
Kidney Health Australia
If the information on this website raises any questions or concerns relating to your cancer, please call Cancer Council on 13 11 20. Specialist cancer nurses staff the line Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.