[Exogenous risk factors for parenchymal carcinoma of the kidney]

In the last decades incidence rates for renal cell carcinoma have been constantly increasing, especially in western European and Scandinavian countries and North America. Several epidemiological studies observed an increased relative risk of this tumour linked with some exogenous and/or environmental factors. The following exposures have been more consistently associated with renal cell carcinoma: tobacco smoking; occupational exposures (asbestos, aromatic hydrocarbons, chemical solvents); dietetic factors such as high energy intake, consumption of fried meats and poultry, and reduced intake of fruit and vegetables; iatrogenic factors such as analgesics and amphetamines; common diseases like obesity and hypertension. An effective preventive strategy for renal cancer could be carried out reducing the exposure to such risk factors.