Causes of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a condition that occurs due to uncontrolled and abnormal division of cells in the breast. As these cells divide faster than the healthy ones, they accumulate in a part of the breast and form a lump. The cancer can begin in any cell or tissue within the breast and spread rapidly, sometimes to the lymph nodes and other body parts as well.

Breast cancer is caused due to changes in the DNA of breast cells. When DNA of the cells changes or mutates, they may disable certain functions and prevent normal cell growth and division. While most of these mutated cells are taken care of by the immune system, some may escape the body’s defences and grow unchecked to form tumours.

The tumours can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). While malignant tumours grow rapidly and spread to other parts of the body, benign ones grow but do not spread or cause health issues. Breast cancer is caused due to a malignant tumour in the breast.

Risk factors for breast cancer

The following factors can make you more likely to get breast cancer.

1. Gender

Women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer when compared to men.

2. Age

The higher your age, higher are your chances of developing breast cancer. The condition is more common among women over 50 years of age.

3. Family history

A family history of cancer can increase your chances of developing the condition. However, people without any family history can also be affected.

4. Personal history

Getting diagnosed with cancer in one breast can increase the chances of developing cancer in other breast in the future.

5. Obesity

Being obese/overweight increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

6. Early menstruation

If you had your first period before the age of 12, you could have an increased chance of developing breast cancer at a later age.

7. Late menopause

Delayed menopause can also increase the risk of breast cancer.

8. Late pregnancy

Getting pregnant after the age of 30 or those who never get pregnant are at a higher risk of developing the condition.

9. High breast density

Having more breast tissues than fat tissues increases breast density. People with high breast density are more likely to develop breast cancer.

10. Hormone therapy medications

Taking hormone therapy medications after menopause can increase your chances of developing breast cancer. These medicines are a combination of oestrogen and progesterone and are used for treating menopause signs and symptoms. Discontinuing medicines can decrease the risk.

11. Consuming alcohol

Regular consumption of alcohol is also a risk factor for breast cancer.

12. Genetic mutation

Inheriting certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, may increase your risk of developing the condition. These mutations are passed on from parents to children.

If you have one or more risk factors, make sure you go for regular breast screenings. There have been instances when people without any risk factors were diagnosed with breast cancer. Therefore, yearly mammograms or breast screenings are important for women over 50.