Causes of Breast Cancer: Understanding the Risk Factors
Breast cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow and divide uncontrollably, often forming a lump or mass.
In the United States, breast cancer is known to be the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in women after skin cancer.
The particular causes of breast cancer are not entirely understood, but a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors can increase a person’s risk of developing the disease.
Inherited mutations in specific genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, cause some breast cancers.
Other risk factors include age, family history, exposure to certain environmental toxins.
Hormonal factors such as the early onset of menstruation or the late start of menopause.
Understanding breast cancer’s causes and risk factors is essential for early detection and effective treatment.
What are the causes of breast cancer
Breast cancer is a complex disease whose exact causes are not yet fully understood.
However, certain factors have been identified that may increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including:
Age
Age is a significant risk factor for breast cancer. The risk of developing breast cancer increases as a person gets older.
According to the American Cancer Society, about two out of three invasive breast cancers are found in women aged 55 or older.
Women over 50 are also prone to be diagnosed with more aggressive forms of breast cancer.
This surged risk may be due to several factors, including changes in hormone levels as women age.
It can also be because of prolonged exposure to environmental factors that can increase cancer risk and genetic changes that accumulate over time.
Family history
If there is a history of breast cancer in your immediate family, including your parents, siblings, or children, you may have a higher risk of developing the disease in your lifetime.
These mutations can be identified through genetic testing.
Genetic mutations
As we age, our cells are exposed to more environmental factors that can damage DNA, and our cells may also become less efficient at repairing DNA damage.
This can lead to an accumulation of genetic mutations over time, increasing the risk of certain diseases, including cancer.
Inherited genetic mutations can also become more significant as we age.
For example, mutations in specific genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Women with these mutations may have a higher risk of developing cancer as they get older.
Therefore, they need to start cancer screening earlier or undergo more frequent screening.
Hormones
Age can significantly impact hormone levels in both men and women.
As we age, the production of certain hormones decreases while others may increase.
The most notable hormonal changes in women occur during menopause, usually between 45 and 55.
During this time, the levels of Estrogen and Progesterone decrease significantly, which can lead to a range of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
These changes in hormone levels can also increase the risk of certain health conditions.
For example, postmenopausal women have an increased risk of osteoporosis due to decreased estrogen levels.
Lifestyle factors
Unhealthy lifestyle choices like tobacco use, poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and exposure to environmental toxins can increase a person’s risk of developing cancer.
Individuals can reduce their risk of developing cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices and undergoing regular cancer screening tests.
This will increase the chances of detecting it early when it is more treatable.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Some signs of breast cancer may include the
- Presence of a lump or thickening in the breast that feels distinct from the surrounding tissue
- Alterations in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
- Changes in the skin covering the breast, such as dimpling
- A newly inverted nipple and peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple or breast skin
- Additionally, breast cancer may cause the skin over the breast to become red and develop a pitted appearance, resembling the skin of an orange.
Prevention
While there is no assured way to prevent breast cancer, there are steps you can take to help lower your risk of developing the disease:
Regular mammograms
Talking with your doctor about when to start breast cancer screening tests, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams, is essential.
Your doctor can help you understand the benefits and risks of screening. They will guide you in making an informed decision that’s right for you.
Self-examine your breast
Women are encouraged to periodically examine their breasts for breast awareness and seek medical attention immediately if they notice any new changes, lumps, or abnormalities.
Detecting any uncommon indications or symptoms thus enables timely consultation with a doctor.
Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy
It is essential to be aware that combining hormone therapy may elevate the possibility of developing breast cancer.
For women who experience distressing menopausal symptoms, the risk of breast cancer may be deemed acceptable to alleviate their symptoms.
Choose a healthy diet
Research indicates that women who adhere to a Mediterranean diet supplemented with mixed nuts and extra-virgin olive oil may experience a decreased risk of breast cancer.
The diet primarily emphasizes plant-based foods such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables.
Opt for healthy fats like olive oil instead of butter and fish instead of red meat.
Conclusion
Breast cancer is a complex disease with various factors contributing to its development.
Some established risk factors include age, gender, genetics, family history, hormonal imbalances, alcohol consumption, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Although there are no surefire ways to prevent breast cancer, a healthy lifestyle, regular screenings, and early detection can help improve outcomes.
Continued research and awareness are crucial in addressing this prevalent disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes breast cancer?
Breast cancer is usually caused by genetic mutations that occur spontaneously or due to environmental factors. It can be due to exposure to radiation or certain chemicals.
In some cases, inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can also increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
What causes breast cancer after menopause?
After menopause, breast cancer is often caused by hormonal changes. The decrease in Estrogen and Progesterone production can cause changes in breast tissue. This may lead to the development of cancerous cells.
What causes breast cancer in women?
Breast cancer in women is typically caused by genetic mutations that arise spontaneously. It can also be due to exposure to environmental factors such as radiation or certain chemicals. Inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 also increase women’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Why do so many women get breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a complex disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. While there is no single cause of breast cancer, known risk factors include age, family history, hormonal factors, and lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity.
How to avoid breast cancer?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, confident lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking, and getting regular breast cancer screenings and check-ups.
WowRx uses only high-quality sources while writing our articles. Please read our content information policy to know more about how we keep our content reliable and trustworthy.
