What Causes Breast Cancer? -More Younger Women Getting Breast Cancer

The immediate events that change a normal cell into a malignant are not yet fully understandable, but the genes involved in cell development, growth and death are responsible for this process of change. In normal cells there is a balance between growth and death. Changes in genes that regulate these processes lead to loss of control of cell division and leads to uncontrolled multiplication of biologically modified cells.

Any changes in the genes does not cause and immediate formation of cancer. This is a multi-stage process, and is considered, for the formation of tumors are necessary from 6 to 7 of these independent changes.

Factors of risk: The factors that can lead to a number of cellular changes, and consequently, to the cancer are:

Environmental factors: Some chemical substances, ionizing radiation

Biological factors: Viruses

Psychological factors: Stress

Genetic factors: In some families, there is a higher incidence of changes (mutations) called. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The expected risk of developing breast cancer during the life of women (and men) with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation is significantly higher than in general population, ranging from 40% to 85%. The carriers of these altered genes with a history of breast cancer have an increased risk of disease in the other breast. Male carriers of these mutations have also at increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, also increase the risk of ovarian cancer, as well as from the occurrence of second primary malignant tumor. Today, are available genetic testing in order to detect changes in members of high-risk families. Excessive exposure to some of these factors also means a greater risk of malignancies, including breast cancer.

Also, it is known, that some body states are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, which are:

• – Overweight
• – Exposure to radiation in infancy
• – The existence of breast cancer in the family
• – Lack of breastfeeding
• – Older age, first pregnancy (after 30 years)
• – Previous breast cancer in the life of the patient
• – Changes in the breast
• – Early menstruation (the occurrence of menstruation before 12 years)
• – Late menopause (cessation of menstruation after age 50)
• – Oral contraceptives (medicines against conception)
• – Hormone therapy after menopause
• – Elderly
• – Alcoholism
• – Physical inactivity
• – Smoking