Can drinking alcohol cause kidney cancer?

Alcohol and the kidneys 

Some older research suggests that alcohol may have a preventive effect in regard to kidney cancer. No newer studies have disproven these findings.

A 2011 meta-review found that consuming 12 grams (g) of ethanol, or alcohol, every day may decrease a person’s risk of developing kidney cancer by about 5%. Researchers consider this statistically significant.

However, the review’s authors recommend further studies to determine the underlying biological processes that may cause this decrease in kidney cancer risk.

Their analysis had similar findings to an earlier analysis of 12 studies that authors published in 2007.

In this analysis, researchers found that compared with drinking no alcohol, drinking moderate amounts may decrease a person’s risk of developing renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer. Moderate amounts of alcohol equated to just over one alcoholic drink, or about 15 g of alcohol, per day.

However, if a person drinks too much alcohol, it can have a negative effect on the kidneys and other areas of the body, such as the liver. The kidneys work to help remove harmful substances and waste from the body, while also managing its fluid and electrolyte levels. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol may make these processes more difficult.

Over time, excessive strain on the kidneys can slowly damage the kidneys. Regularly drinking heavily may double a person’s risk of developing chronic kidney disease. In people who also smoke, the risk increases fivefold.

Alcohol and other health risks 

Drinking alcohol has many potential effects on health.

Cancer risk

While alcohol may not increase a person’s risk of developing kidney cancer, it does increase the risk of developing several other types, including:

• esophageal cancer
• neck and head cancers
• breast cancer
• liver cancer
• colorectal cancer

Mounting evidence suggests that drinking alcohol may also increase the risk of the following:

• melanoma
• pancreatic cancer
• prostate cancers

Other health risks

Drinking alcohol can lead to other short-term and long-term health issues.

Short-term

Short-term risks associated with binge drinking, which doctors typically define as consuming four or more alcoholic drinks during a single occasion for females and five or more for males, include:

• alcohol poisoning
• injuries, such as falls and motor vehicle accidents
• engaging in behavior that may lead to sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancy, such as having sex without a condom or other barrier method
• exhibiting violent behavior

If a person is pregnant, binge drinking may lead to:

• fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in the fetus
• pregnancy loss
• stillbirth

Long-term

Healthcare professionals generally define heavy drinking as consuming eight or more alcoholic drinks per week for females and 15 or more per week for males.

Long-term health risks of heavy drinking may include:

• weakening the immune system
• heart disease
• liver disease
• high blood pressure
• stroke
• digestive problems
• depression
• learning or memory issues
• social issues, such as problems at work, family issues, or unemployment
• anxiety
• alcohol use disorder

When to speak with a doctor 

A person may wish to consider speaking with a doctor if they are concerned about how much they or a loved one drinks.

Doctors can help people find ways to reduce their alcohol intake and recommend further sources of support if necessary.

People may also want to speak to a doctor if they have concerns about their kidney health. While kidney cancer does not typically cause symptoms in the early stages, as the cancer grows, it can lead to:

• lower back pain
• blood in the urine
• unexplained weight loss
• fever
• fatigue
• night sweats
• a lump on the side of the waist or lower back

A doctor can help evaluate, diagnose, and treat any underlying condition that may be causing these symptoms.

Summary

Alcohol consumption may help reduce the risk of kidney cancer, according to some research. However, it may also increase a person’s risk of several other cancers and put a person at risk of developing a range of other health issues.

People who have concerns about their alcohol consumption can discuss reducing their intake with a doctor.

A person who thinks they may be experiencing symptoms of kidney cancer should speak with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.