Causes of Breast Cancer

The causes of breast cancer may be many. Also there are several risk factors which increase the chances of developing the disease.

As known breast cancer is caused by the growth and rapid multiplication of cells in any region or part of the body which lead to the formation of the malignant cells which accumulate at a certain point to form a tumor or lump.

The breast cancer diagnosis has improved over the years (Breast Cancer Personal Check). Earlier the mastectomy was performed which involved the removal of the breast either a part or entire for diagnosis and further study. But now many breast sparing operations are performed for diagnosis.

The three most common types of breast cancer are ductal carcinoma, breast cancer which arises in the ducts, the lobular carcinoma which arises in the lobules and the inflammatory breast cancer is the uncommon type in which the breast becomes red, warm and swollen. The first type is the most common type.

Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

There are various risk factors of this disease that can be the main causes of breast cancer. The most important ones are age and the health history. Some other probable causes of breast cancer may be as follows:

  • Any earlier treatment with the radiation therapy to the breast/chest may be one of the risk factor.
  • Early age menstruation
  • Not becoming pregnant at all or never having given birth or older age at first delivery.
  • A person with benign or non cancer breast disease earlier
  • A family history, mother or sister with this disease.
  • Mammogram report which shows dense breast tissue
  • Taking hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages.
  • Being fair or white may also be a risk factor.

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer is considered to be the most dreadful disease. This type means that breast cancer that has not just come back, but has made its way through the bloodstream and spread to other organs of the body, such as the bones, liver, or brain. Breast cancer spread may be present at first diagnosis or after recurrence.

The lifespan of a woman at metastatic stage breast cancer cannot be depicted. But many women are able to survive for many years with the disease with proper treatment and diet. The modern methods of treatments have helped to give the diseased a better life to live

Causes of Breast Cancer: Genes

The exact reason behind the abnormal behavior of cells is not known still. Causes of Breast cancer are a bit specific. According to the study and research it is quite evident that most of these cancer cases are inherited causes of breast cancer behind this is the defects in one of the two genes i.e. breast cancer gene 1 and gene 2. Women with these defects are said to be at high risk than people without these defects to develop breast or ovarian cancer.

Causes of Breast Cancer: Mutations

Another one of the causes of breast cancer is the acquired mutations. These mutations are as a result or radiation exposure during ones life time this may either be due to early treatment with chest radiation therapy at young age.

Mutations may also develop as a result of exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, such as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found in tobacco and charred red meats.

Causes of Breast Cancer: Genetic Makeup and Environmental Factors

The latest reason behind the research is to find whether any relationship exists between genetic makeup and environmental factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer.

In future the first and foremost step is to establish a link between the genetic mutations and cancer. Because of this research breast cancer may be proved to have number of causes of breast cancer.