Causes Of Breast Cancer In Women

Overview

Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow out of control. It can affect women of all ages, but it is more common in older women. This article explains the known causes and risk factors, and what you can do to stay informed.

Yes. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK and worldwide. About 1 in 7 women in the UK will develop it in their lifetime.

It mainly affects women, especially those over 50. But younger women and, rarely, men can also develop it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A new lump in the breast or armpit that feels hard or different from the surrounding tissue.
• Thickening or swelling in part of the breast.
• Dimpling, puckering, or other changes in the skin of the breast (like looking like an orange peel).
• A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts.
• Nipple turning inward, a rash, or crusting on the nipple or surrounding area.
• Nipple discharge that happens without squeezing, especially if it is blood-stained.
• Persistent tenderness or pain in the breast that does not go away.

Symptoms in children

• Breast cancer is extremely rare in children. The symptoms listed above are not usual for children. If a child has any breast changes, they should be checked by a doctor, but it is almost never cancer.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, the symptoms are the same, but they can be harder to notice. Regular check-ups and prompt attention to any breast change are very important.

Causes

Main causes

• Breast cancer happens when normal breast cells develop changes in their DNA. These changes make the cells grow and divide too quickly, forming a lump or tumour.
• The exact cause of breast cancer is often unknown. It is usually the result of a combination of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors.
• Most cases of breast cancer occur in women with no known family history.

Risk factors

• Getting older – most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 50.
• A family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially in a mother, sister, or daughter.
• Inherited gene changes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
• Starting your periods early (before age 12) or going through menopause late (after age 55).
• Having no children or having your first child after age 30.
• Taking certain types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a long time.
• Drinking alcohol – the more you drink, the higher the risk.
• Being overweight or obese after the menopause.
• Exposure to radiation, especially to the chest area.
• Lack of physical activity.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice any new or unusual breast change, see your doctor as soon as possible, even if you have recently had a normal screening result.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Attend regular breast screening appointments when invited by your local health service, and talk to your doctor about your individual risk.

Diagnosis

Doctors use a physical examination, imaging tests, and a biopsy to find out if breast cancer is present. In a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is taken and sent to a laboratory for testing.

Tests that may be done

• Mammogram (an X-ray of the breast).
• Ultrasound scan.
• MRI scan.
• Biopsy (needle or surgical).
• Blood tests may also be done.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will check your breast and armpit for lumps. You may be referred to a breast clinic for further tests. If a biopsy is needed, the results will usually take a few days. Your doctor will explain exactly what the results mean and discuss the next steps with you.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and stage of breast cancer, as well as your general health. Options often include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapies. You will have a team of specialists to guide you through each step.

Self-care at home

• During treatment, rest when you need to and allow your body time to recover.
• Eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids.
• Talk to your care team about any side effects – there are many ways to help manage them.
• Ask friends and family for help with daily tasks when you feel tired.

Medical treatments

Cancer treatment may include surgery to remove the cancer, radiation therapy (using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells), chemotherapy (medicines to destroy cancer cells), hormone therapies, and targeted medicines that act on specific changes inside cancer cells. Your doctor will explain the options and what each treatment involves. You will never be given a medicine without clear information about it.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is a common part of treatment. It may involve removing only the lump (lumpectomy) or the whole breast (mastectomy). The type of surgery depends on the size and location of the cancer, and what you and your doctor decide is best.

Living with this condition

Most women continue to live active lives during breast cancer treatment. Plan for tired days, keep your routines as normal as possible, and let your support network help you.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Limit alcohol intake.
• Do not smoke.
• Stay physically active – even light walking helps.
• Get enough sleep.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with regular moderate exercise (like walking or swimming), can help your recovery and overall well-being.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A breast cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. It is completely normal to feel anxious, frightened, or low. Talking to a counsellor, psychologist, or a support group can make a real difference. You do not have to cope with these feelings alone.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent breast cancer, but you can lower your risk by staying active, keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, not smoking, and attending regular breast screening when invited.

Screening programmes

Regular breast screening, usually through mammograms, can help detect breast cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be successful. Speak to your local health service or general practice about when to start screening and how often to have it.

Complications

If left untreated

• Without treatment, breast cancer can grow into nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain.
• It can lead to more serious health problems and may be harder to treat once it has spread.

Long-term outlook

Breast cancer is treated successfully in many women. With earlier detection and improved treatments, most women diagnosed with breast cancer live for many years. The outlook depends on the type, size, and stage of the cancer, and your general health. Regular follow-up and a healthy lifestyle can help you live well after treatment.

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