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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
What causes breast cancer?
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Mr Amro Labib
Breast Surgeon, Endocrine Surgeon, General Surgeon
As most types of cancer , the actual direct cause of Breast Cancer remains unkown except for a small group of patients where we have found some genes like BRCA 1 and BRCA2 to be the reason for cancer (this group is only about 1% of all cancer cases diagnosed every year) Most cases are called "Sporadic" which means they have no familial tendency.
Having said that there are a group of "risk factors" that we think could play a rule developing cancer such as :
Contraceptive pill use for a long time
Early menarche
Late menopause
Age
Dense Breast Tissue
Certain breast conditions like papillomas and phylloidae tumours
Lack of excercise and obesity
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Dr Susan Hawes
Breast Surgeon, General Surgeon
I am a general surgeon who has had specialist training in breast surgery. I will always do my very best to take care of you. … View Profile
The exact cause of breast cancer is not just one thing and it is a complex question to answer. Breast cancer is due to genetic mutations that make breast cells grow in an uncontrolled and abnormal manner. The mutations may be due to environmental , lifestyle and hormonal factors. In some people genetics play a role such as patients with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Family history can play a role - particularly having first degree relatives with a history of breast or ovarian cancer. Some of the genetic abnormalities have been identified whereas there are others which have not. Hormone/ reproductive factors include -prolonged estrogen exposure (such as early menstruation or late menopause) which increases risk. -Use of hormone replacement therapy -not having children or having children at a later life -not breastfeeding (as breastfeeding is considered to be a protective factor against breast cancer) Lifestyle factors include -alcohol consumption -obesity (which can cause increased oestrogen levels) -reduced physical activity -radiation exposure (e.g. related to radiotherapy particularly in childhood) -smoking Increased age Female gender (although males can also get breast cancer but it is less common) dense breast tissue- as the tissue is more difficult to visualise malignancy Some patients develop breast cancer without a family history and no known risk factors. Therefore, any patients with concerning symptoms should seek medical attention and have breast imaging and a check up with their doctor.
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