Breast cancer is a cancer form that is typified by uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cells present in the breasts of individuals. Despite the fact that this cancer form can develop in both men as well as women, it is found to be more prevalent in women. According to a study conducted by Mayo Clinic, it has been found that breast cancer is the second most commonly occurring cancer form after skin cancer accounting for nearly 15 percent of all cancer cases annually. However, its rates of incidence have fallen significantly over the past few years.
Causes
According to the Mayo Clinic, having a family history of the condition, age of an individual, genetic mutations, exposure to radiations and smoking among others are a few of the notable risk factors leading to breast cancer.
Gene Mutations
According to a Mayo Clinic study, mutations to genes BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are one of the common causes often resulting in the development of breast cancer in individuals. These genes often result in uncontrolled proliferation and growth of the cells lining the breasts and as a result increase the chances of developing the condition.
Age
The risk of developing breast cancer increases significantly with progressing age. The Mayo Clinic reports that, with progressing age, the cells lining the breasts often become damaged due to exposure to smoke and other pollutants over the years, thereby increasing the chances of breast cancer. Also women over 60-65 years are at the maximum risk of developing the cancer form.
Family History
The Mayo Clinic states that having a family history of breast cancer often increases the chances of acquiring the disease in individuals. Most of the genes including BRCA1 and BRCA2 are highly heritable thus they often get transmitted from one generation to the next, thereby increasing the chances of developing the disease.
Exposure to Radiations
Sustained exposure to radiation such as X-rays is another common risk factor causing breast cancer. Exposure to radiation frequently damages the cells lining the breasts, and converts them into virulent and malignant forms, thus increasing the chances of the growth and proliferation of the cancer cells throughout the body of the patient.
Other Common Causes
As per the Mayo Clinic, some of the other common possible causes leading to breast cancer include being obese, excessive and regular consumption of alcohol, smoking and exposure to smoke and other pollutants and taking post-menopausal hormonal treatment technique among others.
Tags: Mayo Clinic, breast cancer, cancer form, cells lining, cells lining breasts
