Top Factors That Can Cause Breast Cancer
Cancer occurs when body cells divide rapidly in an abnormal manner, and possibly spreading to other tissue and organs. This may lead to tumours, which can disrupt the body’s regular function. Generally, the main cause of cancer is mutations to the DNA in the cells in the body. Such mutations can be inherited, or they can occur later in life as a result of environmental factors.
External causes of cancer are called carcinogens. They include:
- Biological carcinogens – e.g. viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
- Chemical carcinogens – e.g. asbestos, alcohol, air pollution, contaminated food and water, and cigarette smoke.
- Physical carcinogens – e.g. radiation, ultraviolet light.
A person’s lifestyle habits can also increase the risk of cancer, such as insufficient intake of fruit and vegetable, inadequate exercise, and having a high body mass index (BMI).
The specific causes of breast cancer are still not clear. However, there are factors that are known to increase the risk of developing breast cancer:
- Age – Above 40.
- Early menstruation (before 12 years old).
- Late menopause (after 55 years old).
- A family history of breast cancer.
- A personal history of breast conditions (regardless whether cancerous or not).
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
