Cancer develops when alterations known as mutations occur in genes that control cell growth. The cells can expand and divide uncontrollably owing to the mutations.
Breast cancer, which develops in the breast cells, is the second most common cancer among women. Usually, it develops in the ducts or lobules of the breast. Although the exact causes of tumors are unknown, we will discuss a few significant risk factors in this article.
But before we dig deeper into the potential reasons behind these severe health conditions, let’s take a look at some shocking statistics.
Breast Cancer Statistics
According to the American Cancer Society’s projections:
● Invasive breast cancer in women will see an estimated 287,850 new cases in the next year.
● There will be 51,400 new diagnoses of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
● Males can also develop breast cancer- 1 in 100 men. (Although women are more likely to develop it than men.)
Now that you know how severe and common this condition is let’s learn about its causes.
Risk Factors Leading To Breast Cancer
Your chances of developing breast cancer are influenced by a number of risk factors. However, possessing any of these does not guarantee that you will be diagnosed with this condition. While some risk factors cannot be controlled, others may be avoided with lifestyle changes. Let’s learn more!
● Previous Breast Cancer History
If you’ve had breast cancer in one breast, such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive breast cancer, you’re more likely to have it in the other breast as well as in a different part of the breast that was previously afflicted.
Studies have shown that a woman is three to four times more likely to develop a new breast cancer (unrelated to the original one) in the other breast or in another portion of the same breast if she has already had cancer in one breast.
● Age
As you age, your risk increases. Every year, over 77% of women diagnosed with tumors are over the age of 50, and over 40% are 65 and older.
Breast cancer has a 1 in 68 probability of occurring in women between the ages of 40 and 50. By the time you reach 60, that rises to 1 in 42. It’s one in 28 from 60 to 70. And 1 in 26 women aged 70 and older are affected.
● Consumption Of Contaminated Water
This risk factor might come as a surprise to you; however, exposure to contaminated water increases the chances of developing breast cancer (and others). It is especially true if you have been to Camp Lejeune or lived in base housing at the Marine base.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) reports that trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride (VC), and benzene were discovered in several of Camp Lejeune’s drinking water sources during normal water treatment plant testing.
As a result, people in this area—including Veterans, military dependents, civilian contractors, and others—were diagnosed with cancer and several other severe health conditions. That’s why people are seeking justice in a Camp Lejeune contamination lawsuit and availing the deserved financial compensation. So, if you or any of your loved ones are sick, regardless of a medical condition, you can file for a lawsuit.
● Genetics
5% to 10% of cases of breast cancer are hereditary. The higher risk applies to people who carry mutations in either of the two BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
By the time they are 80 years old, women who have an inherited BRCA1 gene change have a 72% probability of having breast cancer. A woman with a hereditary change in the BRCA2 gene has a 69% risk of developing breast cancer by that age.
Similarly, a woman’s risk increases if she has a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer (“first-degree” relatives). It’s even better if this cousin had cancer in both breasts before age 50 and had breast cancer.
Your risk of developing breast cancer is nearly doubled if one first-degree relative has the disease and tripled if two first-degree relatives do. Another risk factor has a male in the blood family with breast cancer.
Consuming Alcohol
Breast cancer and alcohol are associated. Women who consume one alcoholic drink per day see a very slight risk increase compared to nondrinkers, and moderate drinkers (those who consume two to three drinks per day) experience a risk increase of roughly 20%.
To Sum It All Up
These are the major risk factors that lead to breast cancer. Nevertheless, it would be best to consult your doctor if your health continues to deteriorate. They can find out the underlying cause and help improve your condition.
