Know the Causes of Breast Cancer & Avoid the Risks
Genetics
Inherited changes in certain genes increase the risk of breast cancer. Women who carry changes in these genes have a much higher risk of breast cancer than women who do not carry these changes.
Family History
Studies have shown that if another member of your family, male or female, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, your chances of developing the disease increase.
Personal History of Breast Cancer
If you were previously diagnosed with breast cancer, there is an increased chance that you will develop breast cancer a second time.
Alcohol
Studies indicate that the more alcohol a person drinks, the greater the risk of developing breast cancer.
Radiation Therapy
If you have undergone radiation therapy to the chest area before the age of 30, you have an increased risk of developing breast cancer later in life. This includes being treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Recent studies have shown that the younger a person was when they received the radiation therapy, the greater the chance of developing breast cancer later in life.
Reproductive and Menstrual History
If you had your first menstrual period before age 12 or went through menopause after age 55, you have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Studies also have shown that women who had their first full-term pregnancy after age 30 or who have never had a full-term pregnancy, also are at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Long-Term Use of Menopausal Hormone Therapy
If you used a combined estrogen and progestin menopausal hormone therapy for more than five years, you have an increased chance of developing breast cancer.
Body Weight
Studies have found that postmenopausal women who have not used menopausal hormone therapy have a higher chance of getting breast cancer if you are overweight or obese.