Major Factors of Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer is the second leading type of cancer - after Lung Cancer. It is the most common type of cancer among women. It develops in the breast cells of women (mostly) and men (rarely). Men's chances of developing breast cancer are 100 times less than women, but when it occurs in men, the mortality rate is the same.

There is no known cause of developing breast cancer. In this article, we will take you through some major factors that can increase the risk of developing breast cancer among women.

It is important to note that there are many women who did not have any of the following factors but still suffering from breast cancer.

Age

As women age, their chance of developing breast cancer is increased. More than 80% of breast cancer cases are registered in the women who are above age 50.

Personal Breast Cancer History

If a woman has breast cancer in one breast, she is likely to develop it in the second one.

Family History

A woman has an increased risk if her sister, daughter, or mother had breast cancer. The risk is further increased if they had cancer below the age of 40. The risk is still there if a maternal or paternal family member (relative) has breast cancer.

Breast Lesions

A typical hyperplasia (lobular or ductal) increases the risk of breast cancer.

No Physical Activity

Those women who have not been physically active in their life are likely to get breast cancer. No physically activity leads towards obesity, which may lead to breast cancer.

Overweight and Obesity

Intense fat and calorie intake can make a person overweight and an overweight woman has the higher chances of developing breast cancer - especially after menopause.

Menstrual and Reproductive History

Women are at an increased risk if they had first menstrual period before age 12 or hit menopause after age 55. Women who had first child after age 30 are at an increased risk. Moreover, women who don't have any children and they are over age 50 are also more prone to breast cancer.

Not Breast-Fed

Women who had not breast-fed are vulnerable to breast cancer more than who did breast-feed their children.

Race

Caucasian women are more prone to breast cancer as compared to Asian, African American, or Latina women.

Alcohol Drinking

Consumption of alcohol is also a cause of developing breast cancer - especially, if a woman drinks more than a glass in a day.

Not Related Factors

Researches reveal that multiple pregnancies, abortion, miscarriage, breast implant, wearing underwire bras, caffeine or coffee intake and using antiperspirant do not increase the chances of breast cancer.

In short, breast cancer is the second leading cause of deaths through cancer - it is the most common type of cancer among women. It generally develops after the age of 50 - the chances of developing cancer in young women are much less. Furthermore, the exact causes of breast cancer are not known, though the factors mentioned above can increase the risk of breast cancer - it is important to remember that they are not the definite ones.

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Breast Cancer Information
Breast Cancer Information