Medical experts associate Agent Orange exposure with several diseases and cancers. However, there is a lack of sufficient research showing a causal link between Agent Orange and kidney cancer.

Agent Orange was a herbicide the U.S. military used to destroy large areas of rainforest during the Vietnam War. Exposure to Agent Orange can include inhalation, physical touch, or consuming contaminated food or water.

The International Research Agency for Cancer classifies one of the constituents of Agent Orange as carcinogenic, which means cancer-causing.

While some studies have suggested a link between Agent Orange and kidney cancer, others have shown no correlation. Therefore, experts are unsure whether or not Agent Orange exposure increases a person’s risk of kidney cancer.

Read on to learn more about Agent Orange and kidney cancer risk.

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There is limited scientific evidence linking Agent Orange exposure to kidney cancer.

A committee from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine conducted a comprehensive review study on the health effects of exposure on U.S. veterans. They examined multiple peer-reviewed studies and found a correlation between Agent Orange and certain cancers and diseases.

However, the committee reported insufficient evidence demonstrating that Agent Orange exposure causes kidney cancer.

Similarly, a 2022 review looked at Agent Orange exposure in Vietnamese individuals. The study could not find conclusive evidence connecting Agent Orange and kidney cancer.

The signs and symptoms of kidney cancer depend on the tumor size and stage of the disease. In the early stages, there may be no specific signs and symptoms.

As the disease evolves, a person may notice any of the following:

Approximately 25% of individuals with kidney cancer may not experience any of these symptoms. In addition, these symptoms are nonspecific and could be due to other diseases, such as urinary tract infections.

Therefore, it is crucial for a person who notices any of these symptoms to consult a doctor for clinical evaluation.

AgentOrange exposure could lead to several cancers and medical conditions.

According to research, Agent Orange exposure increases the risk of the following types of cancer:

Individuals exposed to Agent Orange may also develop the following medical conditions:

U.S. Veterans exposed to Agent Orange during their active service in the Vietnam War can claim certain medical benefits.

According to Veterans Affairs, veterans can claim disability compensation payments if they develop medical conditions and cancers associated with Agent Orange exposure. To claim this, individuals need to provide medical and military records.

Veterans can also take advantage of the Agent Orange registry program. This provides free medical evaluations and laboratory screenings.

Regular health screening will benefit veterans with a history of being exposed to Agent Orange during their active service.

It is advisable to contact a doctor if they have symptoms of any cancers or health conditions linked to Agent Orange exposure.

Agent Orange exposure is associated with several cancers, but there is no sufficient research to show it causes kidney cancer.

Individuals with kidney cancer may not notice any symptoms, especially in the early stages. In the late stages of kidney cancer, some people may experience symptoms such as one-sided low back pain, unexplained weight loss, and blood in the urine.

Veterans can benefit from veteran affairs programs such as Agent Orange exposure disability compensation payments and registry programs to receive free medical evaluation and laboratory screening.