Breast Cancer Overview and Causes

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the breast tissues. It is the most common cancer in women, but can also occur in men.

The exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer include:

Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age, especially after age 50.
Family history: Having a close family member (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer increases the risk of developing the disease.
Inherited gene mutations: Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes greatly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
Personal history of breast cancer: Women who have had breast cancer in one breast are at an increased risk of developing it in the other breast.
Dense breast tissue: Women with dense breast tissue (as seen on mammograms) have a higher risk of breast cancer.
Exposure to estrogen: Women who started menstruating before age 12, went through menopause after age 55, or took hormone replacement therapy for an extended period of time have an increased risk of breast cancer.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause.
Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol, even in moderation, increases the risk of breast cancer.

It’s important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that someone will develop breast cancer, and many women who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors.

Breast cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. The treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer, the characteristics of the cancer cells, and the individual’s overall health. Early detection through regular breast cancer screening (mammograms, clinical breast exams, and breast self-exams) can improve the chances of successful treatment.