Breast Cancer Causes

The precise causes of breast cancer are not yet known. However, certain risk factors have been linked to the development of the disease.

Some risk factors for breast cancer involve lifestyle choices, such as consumption of alcohol. Some risk factors cannot be controlled, such as age.

The risk of breast cancer is increased among women who drink alcohol. This risk is nearly doubled in women who have more than three drinks daily. Consuming more than two drinks a day will increase the level of estrogen in the blood. Although estrogen is not a cause of breast cancer, it does cause the breast cancer tumor to grow.

The risk of developing breast cancer increases as women get older. Approximately 80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50. The median age of breast cancer is 61. With the exception of those who have a family history of the disease, breast cancer is uncommon in women younger than 35. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease; however, the risk is two to three times higher if her mother, sister, or daughter had breast cancer.

Age is also a factor in when women began their menstruation cycle and experienced menopause. Women who started their menstrual cycle before age 12 or had a shorter or longer cycle than the average 26-29 days have an increased risk for breast cancer. Those who experienced menopause after age 55, and who have taken hormone replacement therapy to reduce the symptoms of menopause may also have a higher risk for breast cancer.

Genetics can be a significant factor in assessing risk. Some people are born with genes that make them more susceptible to developing breast cancer. The most common gene defects are found in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, those that normally produce proteins that protect the body from cancer. Women with one of these defects have up to an 80% chance of developing breast cancer. Reproductive choices can also influence the risk of breast cancer. Women who do not have children are at an increased risk. Also, the older a woman is when she has her first child, the greater her odds of developing breast cancer.

The specific causes of breast cancer continue to be studied. In addition to knowing what can increase the risks of developing breast cancer, it’s important to be aware that having one or more risk factors does not necessarily lead to cancer. Most women with breast cancer have no known risk factors.

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