What Are the Causes of Breast Cancer in Women?
Breast cancer is a complex disease with many risk factors. Let’s break down what increases the risk and how women can take charge of their health.
Key Risk Factors
- Age: Risk increases as women get older.
- Family History: Having close relatives with breast cancer raises the risk.
- Genetic Mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations increase risk significantly.
- Hormone Levels: High estrogen exposure over time may contribute.
Lifestyle-Related Risks
- Lack of physical activity and being overweight
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Smoking and unhealthy diet
Real-Life Example
Anita, 45, shared: “My mom had breast cancer, so I started doing regular screenings in my 30s. Early detection saved my life.”
How to Lower Your Risk
- Stay active and eat a balanced diet
- Limit alcohol and quit smoking
- Talk to your doctor about family history and screening options
FAQs
- Can breast cancer be prevented? No – but healthy habits and screenings can lower your risk and detect it early.
- What are BRCA genes? These genes help repair cell damage – mutations can raise cancer risk.
Conclusion
Knowledge is power! Understand your risk factors and talk to your doctor about how to stay healthy and catch breast cancer early.
For more on women’s health, visit Sexual Health for Women and Postpartum Body Changes.
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Stay informed, stay healthy – you deserve it!