The Causes, Risk Factors and Prevention of Breast Cancer

What Causes Breast Cancer?

Unfortunately the causes of breast cancer are currently unknown. While we are unaware of the causes of breast cancer, we do know what does NOT cause breast cancer:

• Bumping, bruising or touching the breast does not cause breast cancer.
• Breast cancer is not contagious, it can not be 'caught' from someone else.
• Breast enhancements or reduction surgeries do not cause breast cancer.

What are the Risk Factors of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer causes are still not known, however several risk factors have been identified:

• History-A history of breast cancer, either personally or within your family may increase your risk of breast cancer.
• Age- the chances of getting breast cancer seems to increase as your age increases. Research shows that the majority of breast cancer cases occur in women over the age of 60. In most cases it is uncommon to be diagnosed with breast cancer prior to going through the various stages of menopause.
• Race-In the US, breast cancer appears in White women more than in Black, Hispanic or Asian women. However, some studies show that Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at an early age than most White women.
• Radiation-Women who have been exposed to excessive amounts of radiation therapy may have an increased risk of breast cancer.
• Late or No Child Bearing-if you have no children or had your first child after the age of 30, you may be at a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Not Breast Feeding-Women who breast feed have shown a reduced risk of breast cancer. The more months spent breast feeding, the lower the risk.
• Hormones-Women who have undergone certain hormone therapy used for longer than 4 years after menopause have shown an increased risk for breast cancer. High estrogen is also a known risk factor. If you began menstruation prior to 12 and began menopause after 55, you may be at a higher risk for breast cancer.

How do we Prevent Breast Cancer?