What causes breast cancer and what are the measures needed to prevent it?
Breast cancer is a common form of cancer among women in the United States, Canada and Europe. However, in Africa and Asia, the prevalence is much lower, indicating the possibility of environmental triggers as well as a genetic predisposition. While the number one risk factor is simply being female, other risk factors include: -Age – Breast cancer occurs more often in women over 50 and is less common in pre-menopausal women. American Cancer Society (ACS). -Family History – Women with family history of breast cancer have a greater risk of developing the disease. -Genetic factors – Inheriting mutations or alterations of certain genes called BRCA-1 and BRCAS-2 increases the risk of developing breast cancer. The ACS estimates that 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases result from inherited mutations of these genes. A woman with these genes has an 80 percent chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the ACS. Women with a family history of breast cancer may be tested f
