How Is Breast Cancer Caused, And How Does Its Risk Increase?

Written By-james Martin  Pharmacologist (M.Pharm)

 • Published: 04/08/2025

• Updated: 04/08/2025

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Aditya Shah

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Dr. Aditya Shah

Expert In Clinical Pharmacology And Drug SafetyView more

In very simple words, as the name suggests, breast cancer usually affects the breast area in females. As per studies from the United States Health Organization for Women, it is the most common cancerous form in women after skin cancer and ovarian cancer.

Breast cancer occurs due to various issues, and that is what we shall discuss in this blog post. We are going to further look at some of the risk factors that increase the chances of having the disorder.

Some studies from the FDA suggest that over the last few years, breast cancer issues in women have been rising constantly. Even the death cases have been growing, which is a major sign of concern.

Breast Cancer- What Causes It?

It may come as a bit of surprise to you, but scientists have not yet been able to figure out the exact reason for having breast cancer.

However, there are some things that the scientists have found to be common among women who are affected by the issue. These are-

• Hormonal changes
• Lifestyle choices such as increasing intake of alcohol and drugs.
• Effects of the environment

As you can expect, your chances of having breast cancer increase if you have any of the given issues above. Doctors and scientists believe that the genetic root map of the breast cells changes in combination with these factors, causing breast cancer.

Scientists, however, do know that when breast cancer occurs, the DNA inside cells is tampered with. As some of you may know that DNA is the part of a cell inside the nucleus that contains information related to the growth and reproduction of cells.

However, when these cells are affected because of certain factors, the DNA of the cells is tampered and this leads to abnormal reproduction and multiplication of the breast cells, causing the cancer tumor to form inside the breasts.

Risk Factors That Increase The Chances Of Having Breast Cancer

Now, it is time for us to figure out some of the risk factors. Remember that these are factors that only increase the risk of having breast cancer. However, it is not evident that any woman will have breast cancer 100% even if they have some of these issues already or for years.

• A Family History Of Breast Cancer

This is something that the doctors will probe you about during the initial diagnosis. The doctors will ask you if someone in your immediate family, especially your parents or grandparents, has had the issue. However, in some cases, it is found that the woman having breast cancer is the first in their generation to have the issue.

• Having Breast Cancer Before

If you are someone who has had the issue before or if your one breast is affected by breast cancer already, there is a high chance of the other breast getting affected by the issue as well.

• Having Other Breast Issues

Now, after many studies at the National Institute of Health in the US, scientists have been able to identify a few breast problems that may increase the risk of having breast cancer.

Here are those problems-

• Lobular carcinoma
• Breast biopsy
• Breast infections

• Early Menstrual Cycle

Scientists have found out that some girls usually begin their menstrual period journey before 12 years of age, which is the standard age for puberty, marking the process. In these cases, these girls had a 70% chance of having breast cancer later down the years.

• Dense Tissue Inside The Breasts

Now, before we begin this point, let us give you an idea about what dense tissues are. Well, these are made of milk glands, milk ducts, and fibrous tissues.

As per some research in a clinical study in the UK, it has been found that women who have more dense tissue may be at a higher risk of cancer. Usually, this may be hard to detect using just a mammogram. Scientists may conduct a biopsy or CT scans to further detect and confirm the issue.

• Drinking Too Much Alcohol

This is a lifestyle factor, as we told you above at the start of the article, which may increase your chances of suffering from breast cancer.

• Having A First Child Too Late

Some studies claim that women giving birth to a child later than 30 years can increase the chances of breast cancer.

• Menopausal Hormonal Therapy

During menopause, women are particularly at risk of suffering from breast cancer. As per studies, scientists have confirmed that during menopause, the sudden hormonal changes pave the way for the issue.

• Obesity

This is a completely different type of health issue that increases the risks of cancer in women.

• Exposure To Radiation

This is a common environmental risk where you are at risk of having breast cancer when exposed to radioactive elements or the environment. It can also occur when toxic fumes or the intake of heavy metals occur.

Final Thoughts

Therefore, as you can see in this article, we have given a detailed explanation about some of the causes or risk factors that increase the chances of having breast cancer. We have given you a list of symptoms that may occur. We highly recommend that you get in touch with a doctor as soon as the symptoms begin.

FAQs

Does Age Increase The Risk Of Breast Cancer?

Yes, higher age, usually more than 50 years in women, may have a higher chance of having cancer.

What Is The Usual Method To Cure Breast Cancer?

The usual methods are-

• Surgeries involving the removal of breasts.
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation
• Medicines

Can you tell me about some lifestyle ways to avoid the risks of having cancer?

We suggest that you-

• Take care of your weight
• Have a good diet