While there’s currently no clear link between Agent Orange and kidney cancer, Agent Orange can increase the risk of developing other types of cancers and health conditions, like bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and more. Here’s what we know so far.

Agent Orange is a chemical herbicide and defoliant. During the Vietnam War, the United States Army used this herbicide to clear leaves and vegetation from the jungle to aid military operations.

Agent Orange contains dioxin, a chemical compound that can cause cancer. Prolonged exposure to the dioxin in Agent Orange can increase the risk of cancer.

This article reviews health conditions that can develop after exposure to Agent Orange and what types of healthcare coverage and compensation veterans exposed to Agent Orange can expect to receive from the government.

The link between kidney cancer and Agent Orange can come from dioxin exposure. Agent Orange contains dioxin, a chemical that can increase the risk of developing cancer.

A 2016 study found an association between people with high levels of dioxin in their blood and the development of chronic kidney disease. Agent Orange can also increase the risk of hypertension. Both hypertension and chronic kidney disease are kidney cancer risk factors.

In 2009, the Veterans Affairs Department Regional Office in Nashville, Tennessee, stated that there were some reported cases of kidney cancer in veterans exposed to Agent Orange. However, they deemed this a “causal, albeit ‘unclear,’ relationship.“

A 2020 study found a relationship between Vietnamese veterans developing various types of cancers and certain contaminated areas in Vietnam. However, a 2018 book update of “Veterans and Agent Orange” stated that there is not enough evidence to determine a link between Agent Orange and kidney cancer specifically.

Other risk factors for kidney cancer

Agent Orange is not the only risk factor for kidney cancer. Other risk factors can play important roles in the development of kidney cancer, including:

Kidney cancer also tends to be more common in people assigned male at birth.

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According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Agent Orange can increase the risk of getting other types of cancer, including:

Agent Orange can also increase the risk of developing certain noncancerous health conditions, including:

If you have any concerns about your general health, talk with a doctor and make sure they know about your exposure to Agent Orange.

If you are a veteran who experienced Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam, you may be eligible for three benefit types:

  • Agent Orange Registry health exam: If you qualify for this program, you can get access to a free medical exam, specialty referrals, and lab tests.
  • Medical benefits: You may be eligible for compensation payments. These are usually paid monthly, and the amount depends on the extent of your disability.
  • Disability compensation: You may qualify for medical care due to Agent Orange exposure. This will cover medical care at Veterans Affairs facilities, medical prescriptions, and home and hospice care.

Eligibility information

To learn whether you are eligible for these benefits, call the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-749-8387 or visit their website.

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If you have kidney cancer, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • bloody urine
  • persistent back pain slightly below the ribs
  • anemia
  • fever
  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • unexplained weight loss
  • hypercalcemia
  • lump on your side or lower back

Read more about kidney cancer.

If you have concerns about your health or experience any of these symptoms, talk with a doctor. They can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most effective treatment for your condition.

Agent Orange is a chemical compound used as an herbicide and defoliant. The United States Army used this chemical during the Vietnam War to defoliate the Vietnamese jungle.

Agent Orange contains dioxin. Exposure to this chemical can cause health conditions such as cancer. If you have kidney cancer and you served in the Vietnam War, Agent Orange might be the cause of cancer.

Agent Orange can also cause other types of solitary cancers, like lung and prostate cancer, or blood cancers, like multiple myeloma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. If you have any concerns about your health, have a discussion with a doctor about your symptoms and make sure they know about your exposure to Agent Orange.

If you experienced exposure to Agent Orange while serving in the Vietnam War, you may have access to health coverage and compensation. Contact the Veterans Affairs department 1-800-749-8387 to find out if you are eligible.