Breast Cancer Causes
What causes breast cancer? The answer to this yet remains to be revealed. Breast Cancer rates are increasing throughout the world. But it is clear that almost half of breast cancer cases are occurring in developed and industrialized states. This might be the clue indicating that environmental toxins resulting from industrialization are highly related with breast cancer causes. Yet none of such connection has been exactly proved. More investigations and evidence are needed before we get to any specific conclusion.
Scientists have identified a number of risk factors that can increase the person’s chance of getting breast cancer. Having one or more of these factors do not mean that you will certainly have the disease. Here are some breast cancer risk factors:
Age
Some of these factors can be altered but nothing can be done about others apart from being aware of these facts. One such risk factor is age. Risk of breast cancer increases as the women get older. Breast cancer is uncommon in women under 35 years of age. The late pregnancy in woman especially after 30s can also be one of the cause of breast cancer.
Family History Of Breast Cancers
If you have a history of breast cancer in your mother, daughter or sister, then you are at high risk of this disease.
Genetic Mutation
Genetic mutation are permanent changes in genetic material. Some genetic mutations can place such people at high risk of breast cancer. The genes that have been studied are BRCA1 and BRCA2. There are some other genes too that are responsible either for breast cancer or involved in the general processes of cancer growth.
Hormones
If a woman is exposed to sex hormones especially estrogen (female sex hormone) for a long time, she is certainly at high risk of breast cancer. Some other causes include early start of menstrual cycle i.e., before the age of 12 and late end of menstrual cycle. Late pregnancy, i.e., after 30 and use of contraceptive or birth control pills can also place a woman at high risk of breast cancer.
Hormone Replacement Therapy HRT Or Estrogen Replacement Therapy
Excess of anything is bad. Studies have shown that women who have undergone ERT or HRT for more than 10 years are at increased risk of breast cancer. Since HRT has many positive aspects as it can lower risk of bone fractures and heart attack, it is better to consult a physician about the risks and benefits of ERT.
According to researchers, radiations can cause cancers too. Can mammograms cause breast cancer? According to some scientist that most of medical professional are not in favor of mammograms as the accuracy in result is quite low and the radiations used are quite harmful. No matter what the causes are just prevent yourself from risk of breast cancer and adapt a healthy lifestyle. Breast cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed at the early stage. Otherwise, it can become untreatable. Avoid the causes of breast cancers that are in your hand and keep yourself healthy and happy.
