What Are the Causes of Breast Cancer?

by Marissa Willman

Overview

Although researchers have yet to determine definite causes of breast cancer, there are significant risk factors that are likely to cause breast cancer. Getting older, genetic predisposition and a history of breast cancer are substantial risk factors. Other possible causes include alcohol consumption, exposure to radiation and increased hormone levels. Although these risk factors do not always cause breast cancer, they considerably increase one's risk of developing cancer.
Age

The risk of developing breast cancer increases significantly as one gets older. About two-thirds of all breast cancer patients are over the age of 50. It is also quite rare in people under 35.

Genetics

People with a family history of breast cancer are statistically more likely to develop breast cancer. Genetic mutations in breast cells are passed down through DNA and can cause breast cancer.
Increased Exposure to Hormones

Increased exposure to estrogen may be a cause of breast cancer. Women who began menstruating at an early age, used birth control pills or experienced menopause at a late age are at a higher risk for breast cancer.
Alcohol Consumption

Significant alcohol consumption has been directly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Women who consume two to five drinks per day are almost twice as likely to develop breast cancer as women who do not drink alcohol.
Radiation Exposure

Exposure to radiation in the chest area may cause breast cancer later in life. Women may have been exposed to radiation as treatment for another cancer or through older forms of medical X-rays.

Overview