What are the causes for breast cancer?

Question

Also, is it possible to get it as a child?

Answer 1

human paploma viris

Answer 2

When my sister got it, they took her off hormone replacement therapy. She was on it for about 7 years after a hysterectomy. They said it was the cause for it. I was put on it to regulate my periods and she told me to stop taking it, which I did. Breast cancer is not hereditary in our family, hers was a result.

Answer 3

this is a page with a variety of ing. abour breast cancer
http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=breastcancer

Answer 4

The exact cause or causes of breast cancer remain unknown. Yet scientists have identified a number of risk factors that increase a person's chance of getting this disease. Certain risk factors, such as age, are beyond our control; whereas others, like drinking habits, can be modified.



Age

The risk of breast cancer increases with age. For example, annual breast cancer rates are 8-fold higher in women who are 50 years old, in comparison with women who are 30. Most breast cancers (about 80%) develop in women over the age of 50. In one age group (40 to 45 years), breast cancer is ranked first among all causes of death in women. Breast cancer is uncommon in women younger than 35, with the exception of those who have a family history of the disease.


Previous Breast Cancer
If a woman has already had breast cancer, she has a greater chance of developing a new cancer in the other breast. Such a new, or 'second,' cancer arises from a completely different location and should not be confused with a cancer that has recurred (come back) or metastasized (spread) from another site. The likelihood of a new cancer increases by 0.5% to 0.7% each year after the original diagnosis. After 20 years, a woman has a 10% to 15% chance of developing a new breast cancer.

A previous diagnosis of lobular carcinoma in situ (a localized tumor) is associated with a 10% to 30% greater breast cancer risk, and a previous diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ is associated with a 30% to 50% greater risk.


Family History Of Breast Cancer

Approximately 85% of women with breast cancer do NOT report a history of breast cancer within their families. Of the remaining 15%, about one-third appear to have a genetic abnormality. The risk of breast cancer is about two times higher among women who have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with this disease. The risk is increased 4- to 5-fold if the relative's cancer was found before menopause (the end of menstruation) and involved both breasts. The risk also is increased if breast cancer occurs in several family generations.

In addition, an increased risk of breast cancer has been found in families with other inherited disorders, such as ataxia telangiectasia (a progressive disease of the motor system) and Li-Fraumeni syndrome.


Genetic Mutations
About 5% to 10% of all breast cancers are hereditary. Scientists have identified certain genetic mutations (permanent changes in genetic material) that place people at increased risk of breast cancer. To date, the genes that have been most studied include BRCA1 and BRCA2. Some American women - many of whom are descendants of Ashkenazi Jews from Eastern and Central Europe - have an inherited BRCA1 mutation. Each will have up to a 90% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. More than half will be diagnosed with breast cancer by age 50. In some BRCA1 families, there is a likelihood of developing both breast and ovarian cancers. The BRCA2 genetic mutation also is prevalent among families with Ashkenazi backgrounds.

In addition, many other genes may be associated with breast cancer, including the genes named p53, AT, the GADD repair group, the RB suppressor gene, and the HER-2/neu oncogene (a gene that contributes to cancer). Some of these genes directly influence breast cancer risk, whereas others are involved in the general processes of cancer growth and metastasis.


Hormones
Breast cancer risk is increased in women with the longest known exposures to sex hormones, particularly estrogen (female sex hormone). Therefore, breast cancer risk is increased in women who have a history of

early first menstrual period (before age 12),

late menopause (end of menstruation),

no pregnancies,

late pregnancy (after age 30), or use of

birth control pills (the 'Pill;' oral contraceptives - 'OCs').


It should be mentioned that the Pill's exact hazards are difficult to assess, since risk apparently disappears in women who have not used oral contraceptives for more than 10 years.

Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is used by many older women to relieve the symptoms of menopause. Certain studies indicate that ERT may increase the risk of breast cancer after long-term use (10+ years). Yet there is no official consensus on ERT, because scientists also have found that the increase in breast cancer risk is eliminated within 5 years of stopping ERT. In addition, some researchers have reported an increased risk of breast cancer in women taking estrogen or estrogen plus progestin, whereas others have not. Because of these uncertainties - and the fact that ERT has a number of positive benefits (e.g., lowered risks of bone fractures and heart attack) - a physician should be consulted about risks and benefits before a person uses ERT.