The cause of kidney cancer is not clear but researchers have found that there are certain factors that may increase your risk of developing kidney cancer. ¹

• Smoking
• Family history of kidney cancer
• Polycystic kidney disease (several cysts in the kidney)
• Chronic kidney failure and/or dialysis
• Diet with high caloric intake or fried/sauteed meat
• Low vitamin E intake
• Tuberous sclerosis
• Exposure to asbestos, blast furnaces and ovens used in iron/steel manufacturing

Kidney Cancer is found more frequently in men than women. And, African-American men are at somewhat of a higher risk than white men.

1. “Kidney Cancer”, American Urological Association Foundation, www.urologyhealth.org , URL: http://urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=04&topic=124

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci^® System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.

Content provided by Intuitive Surgical. For more information on this topic, please visit www.davincisurgery.com