Breast Cancer Causes & Risks

Causes

The cause of breast cancer is unknown. Research shows that certain risk factors are associated with the disease.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your risk for breast cancer include:

Sex: female, although men can also get breast cancer
Age: 50 or older
Personal history of breast cancer
Family members with breast cancer
Changes in breast tissue, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia, radial scar formation, and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
Changes in certain genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, and others)
Race: Caucasian
Increased exposure to estrogen over a lifetime through:
- Early onset of menstruation
- Late onset of menopause
- No childbearing or late childbearing
- Absence of breast-feeding
- Taking hormone replacement therapy for long periods of time ( Prempro for more than four years)
- Tobacco use
Increased breast density (more lobular and ductal tissue and less fatty tissue)
Radiation therapy before the age of 30 years old
Overuse of alcohol

Note: Studies show that most women with known risk factors do not get breast cancer. Many women who get breast cancer have none of the risk factors listed above except age.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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