Breast Cancer: Causes and Risks

By EmpowHER

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According to the National Institutes of Health "Breast cancer affects one in eight women during their lives." In the United States, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. More than 50 percent of all women diagnosed with breast cancer are 65 years old or older.

It is unknown why some women get breast cancer and others do not. Some men can also have breast cancer.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation website stated, "Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast."

As you age, your chances of breast cancer increase. Here are some additional risk factors for breast cancer.

The following breast cancer risks include:

• Beginning your period before age 12
• Overweight
• Taking birth control pills
• Drinking alcohol
• Having dense breasts
• Not having children or having your first child after age 35
• Using hormone replacement therapy (also called menopausal hormone therapy)

https://www.empowher.com/breast-cancer/content/what-breast-cancer