Sudden changes in the genes are the immediate cause behind any cancer. Similarly, the mutation in the DNA of the normal breast cells is the main reason for breast cancer. The DNA is a chemical that determines the behavior of the cells. Changes in the DNA can be accidental or hereditary. However, when it comes to the causes of breast cancer, hereditary causes seem to be rare. Generally, different factors in the life of a women lead to the development of breast cancer. However, it is unfortunate that most of the factors that result in the mutation of the DNA are still unknown.
Risk factors for breast cancer
Still, there are some risk factors that have been identified. Though they can’t be called as the breast cancer causes, they seem to increase the risk of breast cancer manifold. There are two types of risk factors that are involved in the development of breast cancer. The first one includes those that are related to the lifestyle and can be controlled. The other category consists of factors that are uncontrollable.
Risk factors that can’t be controlled
Gender: Women are more prone to breast cancer than men. Well, men may be affected by breast cancer, but instances are extremely rare.
Age: The chances of breast cancer increase with the age. In fact, 2 out 3 women with breast cancer are more 55 years of age or older.
Genetic factors: 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are believed to be caused by the inherited changes or mutation in genes. The most common mutations are of BRCA1 and 2 genes. Women who have these genes have as much as 80% chance of breast cancer. There are other gene changes that may cause breast cancer as well.
Medical history: Women whose close blood relatives have breast cancer have higher chances of breast cancer. If one’s mother, daughter or sister has breast cancer, the chances of the disease increases twice. Still, most of the women who have breast cancer don’t have anyone affected by it in their family. A woman who has a cancer in one breast is at a greater risk of developing cancer in another breast as well.
Race: studies have shown that the white women are at a greater risk of having breast cancer. However, the African-American women have a greater tendency to die once they have breast cancer. Asian, Native American and Hispanic women too, have less chance of breast cancer.
Causes related to lifestyle
There are some breast cancer causes that are related to the lifestyle choices of a woman. Therefore, they can be controlled as well.
Use of birth control pills: According to some studies, women using birth control pills have greater risks of breast cancer. However, once they stop taking the pills, the risk starts to reduce and eventually go back to normal.
Pregnancy related issue: Women who never have a child have an increased risk of breast cancer. Similarly, women who have their first child after the age of 30 have greater risks of breast cancer. On the other if someone is pregnant many times or at a low age, the chances of breast cancer are reduced.
