The Causes Of Breast Cancer

Although the precise causes of breast cancer are unclear, we know what the key risk factors are. Still, most women considered at high risk for breast cancer do not get it, while many who have known risk factors. Among the most significant factors are advancing age and a family history of breast cancer.

The risk increases partly to a woman who had a benign breast lump and increases significantly for women who previously had breast cancer or ovarian cancer. A woman whose mother, sister, or daughter had breast cancer is two - three times more likely to develop the disease, especially if more than one first degree relative was affected.

Researchers have now identified two genes responsible for some cases of familial breast cancer - called BRCA1 and BRCA2. about a woman in 200 carries it. Having the gene predisposes a woman to breast cancer but are not sure that I get.

Generally, women over 50 are more likely to get breast cancer that the younger women and women of African-Americans are more likely than Caucasions get breast cancer before menopause. A link between breast cancer and hormones is gradually becoming clearer. The researchers believe that as a woman 's exposure to the hormone estrogen, is more susceptible to breast cancer. Estrogen tells cells to divide, as cells divide, they are more likely to be abnormal in some way, possibly becoming carcinogenic.

A woman 's exposure to estrogen and progesterone rises and falls during his lifetime, influenced by old age starts and stops menstruating, the average length of her menstrual cycle and age at first birth. A woman 's risk for breast cancer is increased if you begin menstruating before the age 12, has her first child after 30, stops menstruating after 55, or has a menstrual cycle shorter or longer than the 26-29 days be on average. Current information indicates that the hormones in birth control pills probably do not increase the risk. Some studies suggest that taking hormone replacement therapy after menopause may increase risk, especially when taken for more than 5 years.

The jury is still out somewhat on this matter anyway. Heavy doses of radiation therapy may also be a factor, but the low-dose mammograms do not imply risk. The link between diet and breast cancer is debated. Obesity is a risk factor for regular and substantial alcohol drinking - more than a couple of drinks a day - may promote the disease. Many studies have shown that women whose diets are high in fat are more likely to get the disease. Investigators believe suspect that if a woman drops her daily calories from fat - less than 20% -30% - her diet can help protect against breast cancer development.

Source : WebMD.com