Causes: Still Unknown

Doctors do not know the causes of breast cancer in most cases. Doctors do know that many women will experience breast cancer, with the number of cases every year rising.

Yet, researchers are working to learn more about this disease including what they can do to overcome it. Many times, doctors are able to improve the condition simply by using the various treatments available. Success rates for treatment drugs and methods are improving. Yet, doctors are consistently looking for ways to improve the overall well being of patients suffering this condition. To do that, they need to know the causes of it.

What Risks Are There

While doctors do not always understand the cause of breast cancer, they do have a good ideal of the risks of breast cancer. They know that there are various types of conditions and situations in which breast cancer symptoms develop. Here is a closer look at some of these.

Gender: Both men and women can get breast cancer, though men are much less likely. While about 200,000 cases of breast cancer in women are seen each year, only about 2000 or less are reported in men. If you are a woman, you need to realize the risks are here.
Age: The older you are, the more risk you have for developing breast cancer. Studies show that two out of three women that have invasive breast cancer have gotten it at the age of 55 or more. This is believed to be caused by the breast tissues simply wearing down over time.
Genetics: Some of the latest research shows that genes do play a role in getting cancer in the breast. Doctors have been able to pinpoint various genes that play a role in this development. In fact, those genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2. When there are mutations in these genes, cancer may form.
Hereditary: If you do have a family history of breast cancer, your chances of getting breast cancer are higher than those that do not. Yet, this is not the only reason for getting cancer and only a small portion of those cases reported are actually those women who have relatives with it as well.
Past breast cancer: If you have had breast cancer in the past, you are more likely to have another case than those women that have not had it at all.
Race: Women of all races are able to get breast cancer, but those that are white have a slightly increased chance of having breast cancer than African American women. But, African American women with breast cancer are more likely to die from the cancer, because research shows these tumors seem to grow faster in these people. Others, including Asians, American Indians and Hispanic women have less of a chance of getting breast cancer.

Why is it important for doctors to know these risk factors? Knowing the symptoms of breast cancer can save your life. In fact, doctors are able to get help to those that need it the most by weighing these risk factors and helping those patients with them to be screened for breast cancer more often. Early detection is the single most important tool in the fight against the disease, and doctors are able to help patients when they know what these signs are.

If you are suffering from breast cancer, or believe you could be, talk to your doctor. Those that have these risks of breast cancer, or know they have some of the causes of breast cancer in their lives, should get help as soon as possible.