The exact causes of breast cancer remain uncertain. Changes or mutations (inherited or spontaneous) allow breast cancer to develop. BRAC1 and BRAC2, two genes linked to breast cancer, are mutated in 5 to 10% of cases.
Risk factors for developing breast cancer:
Gender and Age:
Women are 100 times more likely to develop breast cancer than men, and the risk increases with age.
Genetics:
A heightened risk for developing breast cancer can be inherited (passed through genes) – having an immediate relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with the disease doubles the chance of getting breast cancer. Chest irradiation, which can cause genetic mutations, increases the risk. Read more…
