There are multiple reasons or cause of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
More, there are a number of identified risk factors that may increase the chance of women to develop breast cancer, and they include factors such as genetic, lifestyle and environmental.
For instance, we can identify the gender, being a female increases significantly the risk of having a breast cancer. Still, if breast cancer in men is rare, it makes up approximately 1% of all breast cancer cases.
Age contributes to higher probability. Women who are 50 years and older have 10 times more chance to develop a breast cancer than someone who is 30 years old.
Also, if in your family you have a case of breast cancer, the chance to have one is significantly increased. A study published in by icon cancer centre stated that in 5-10% of cases, breast cancer is hereditary. The cancer is caused by specific gene mutations (changes) in the BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene one) and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene two) genes that can be influenced by your family history. There are several other genes other than BRCA1 and BRCA2 that also help make up this percentage, but these genes can develop abnormally which may then be passed down through family generations, increasing the chance of breast (and ovarian) cancers.
Finally, the diet is also important, being overweight or drinking alcohol contribute to higher chance to have breast cancer. It is important for you as you age to getting regular exercise – At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day12.
Also eating a healthy, balanced diet – Eat a fibre-rich diet from grain and legume sources, as well as enjoy a variety of fruit (2 serves) and vegetables (5 serves) per day, limit your intake of salt, saturated fats, and avoid all processed meat13. Of course, reducing alcohol intake – If you choose to drink, limit your alcohol intake to no more than two standard drinks a day.
Overall, it is critical that you maintain a healthy weight within the normal BMI (Body Mass Index)* range of 18.5 – 24.9kg/m2.
