What Are The Causes Of Breast Cancer?

What Are The Causes Of Breast Cancer? - Breast cancer is a cancer that is characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of cells present in the breasts of individuals. Despite the fact that this cancer can develop in both men and women, it has been found to be more prevalent in women. According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, it has been found that breast cancer is the second most common cancer after skin cancer accounts for nearly 15 percent of all cancer cases annually. But its incidence rates decreased significantly in the past few years.

Causes of breast cancer

According to the Mayo Clinic, who have a family history of the condition, age of the individual, genetic mutations, Radiation exposure and smoking among others are a few of the notable risk factors that lead to breast cancer.

Gene mutations

According to a Mayo Clinic study, mutations in genes BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 is one of the common causes often results in the development of breast cancer in individuals. These genes often result in uncontrolled proliferation and growth of cells lining and as a result increases the risk of developing the disease.

Age

The risk of developing breast cancer increases significantly with progressing age. The Mayo Clinic reports that with progressing age, the cells lining the breasts often get damaged due to exposure to smoke and other pollutants over the years, thereby increasing the chances of breast cancer. Also a woman over 60-65 years is the maximum risk of developing cancer.

Genealogy

The Mayo Clinic, having a family history of breast cancer often increases the chances of acquiring the disease in individuals. Most of the genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 are highly hereditary so that they are often transferred from one generation to the next, thereby increasing the chances of developing the disease.

Exposure to radiation

Continuous exposure to radiation as eg X-rays are another common risk factor causes breast cancer. Exposure to radiation often damages the cells lining the breast, and converts them into virulent and malignant forms, which increases the chances for growth and spread of cancer cells throughout the body of the patient.

Other common causes

As per Mayo Clinic, some of the other common possible causes that lead to breast cancer include being obese, excessive and regular alcohol consumption, smoking and exposure to smoke and other pollutants, and during post-menopausal hormone therapy techniques among others.(source: sygdoms.com - What Are The Causes Of Breast Cancer?)