Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

For many, the onset of a serious disease comes as a complete surprise. That is because it is not without precedent someone not considered a “candidate” for a particular disease to contract it. However, there are also many individuals who may be predisposed for contracting a disease. This is because they embody one or more risk factors that make them more susceptible. For women who worry about the onset of breast cancer, there are certain risk factors that raise red warning flags. This is why it is important to identify these major risk factors.

Hereditary and Genetic Factors. If there have been instances of breast cancer in your family tree, there is a possibility that you may develop the condition. This does not mean that hereditary/genetic factors present a 100% risk of developing breast cancer. However, it does mean one should be vigilant with breast cancer screenings.

Age Factors. As a woman gets older, she becomes more susceptible to breast cancer. Simply put, as we age our bodies begin to decline. As such, adverse health effects are possible, but not guaranteed. Again, this is why it is critical to make breast cancer screenings an important part of a health check up as aging progresses.

Defects in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. When there are problems with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes such as a mutation, the changes of developing breast cancer (and possibly other cancers) will increase exponentially. This is because the purpose of these genes is to produce cancer preventing proteins. If they are not properly producing the proteins, then the odds of developing cancer increase.

Late pregnancy and menopause. Women who become pregnant at an older age or experience menopause at an older age are prone to the onset of breast cancer. Conversely, the early onset of menopause will raise the chances of developing breast cancer. To be clear, this does not mean the onset of the cancer is 100% certain. It simply means the odds of developing the cancer increase.

Exposure to radiation. If you have been exposed to radiation in the form of X-rays or even prior cancer treatment the risks of breast cancer increase. Radiation has it flaws. One of which is its relationship to many cancers.

Gender. Of course, gender is the most common risk factor. While men can develop breast cancer, the vast majority of breast cancer patients are female. Being a male, however, is no guarantee that breast cancer will never develop. If a man is overweight or develops “gyno” (male breast tissue), then the tissue can potentially become cancerous.

 

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Source: http://cancer.uchc.edu/patients_families/treatment_types/breast/#1