Epidemiology of Renal Cell Carcinoma

Over the last several decades we have come to understand more about the risk factors and underlying genetic pathophysiology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Starting with the identification of the von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene in 1995 to the recent comprehensive genetic evaluation of clear cell RCC there has been a significant amount of discovery in the underlying genetic basis of RCC which has led to the development of targeted drug therapies. In addition, epidemiological studies have identified risk factors, the majority of which are modifiable, which also contribute to the development of RCC. In this chapter we summarize the literature regarding the epidemiology and risk factors of renal cell carcinoma.