Kapanlagi.com - Breast cancer is one of the high-risk life-threatening diseases that commonly occurs in women. The term breast cancer refers to malignant tumors that develop in breast tissue and are characterized by certain symptoms. The causes of breast cancer itself can vary and should not be underestimated.
The breast has several forming tissues with their respective functions or purposes. There are two known tissues in the breast, namely glandular or glandular tissue and stromal or supportive tissue. Both of these tissues have forming tissues inside them, starting from mammary glands, milk ducts, or fatty tissue.
Breast cancer can attack these tissues, which is characterized by the appearance of lumps in the breast area. Breast cancer can be divided into two based on its nature, namely invasive breast cancer and non-invasive breast cancer.
Speaking of breast cancer, it generally occurs in women with a relatively high risk of death. In Indonesia, the incidence rate of breast cancer in women is the highest, along with cervical cancer. According to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, there are at least 42.1 cases of breast cancer per 100,000 population, with an average death rate of 17 per 100,000 population.
Breast cancer itself seems to be a nightmare for every woman. Various causes of breast cancer cannot be underestimated. It turns out that there are several daily activities and lifestyles that have the potential to trigger the risk of breast cancer.
So what are the causes of breast cancer?
The causes of breast cancer are found in several points below. For a more complete review, please refer to the following discussion regarding the causes of breast cancer in women, summarized from various sources.
1. Causes of Breast Cancer Due to Age
Causes of breast cancer (credit: freepik.com)
Abnormal growth of cells in the breast that leads to the formation of tumors can cause breast cancer. This health disorder can occur in every woman, especially those who have reached adulthood. The risk of developing breast cancer increases significantly between the ages of 20 and 70. Additionally, the chances of developing breast cancer are much higher after the age of 20, as reported by medicalnewstoday.com.
2. Breast Cancer Due to Genetic Factors
Causes of breast cancer (credit: freepik.com)
Breast cancer can also occur due to genetic factors. In this case, a woman who has the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes has a higher risk of developing breast cancer. These genes can be inherited from family members, especially female family members who have had breast cancer. The risk of developing breast cancer increases if there are family members with a history of the disease. Further examination is needed to prevent breast cancer as early as possible.
3. Previously Had Breast Cancer
Causes of breast cancer (credit: freepik.com)
Another cause of breast cancer is previously having breast cancer. If a woman has a history of breast cancer, the chances of getting breast cancer again may be higher compared to those who do not have a history of the disease.
According to webmd.com, a woman who previously had DCIS breast cancer, a type of non-invasive breast cancer, is more likely to develop breast cancer again. Therefore, checking and consulting with a doctor is necessary to prevent such health problems.
4. Dense Breasts
The causes of breast cancer and its risk factors can also be experienced due to having dense breast tissue. In this case, the breast tissue has more glands and less fat. Women with dense breast tissue are more likely to be at risk of breast cancer.
5. Breast Cancer Due to Never Breastfeeding
Causes of breast cancer (credit: freepik.com)
The cause of breast cancer can also occur due to the factor of never breastfeeding. This is more risky for every woman who does not breastfeed her child. Because breastfeeding activities apparently provide benefits for breast health, including preventing the possibility of getting breast cancer. When breastfeeding, a woman experiences a decrease in estrogen exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
6. Causes of Breast Cancer in Menopause
Breast cancer is also more vulnerable to women who have entered menopause, which usually occurs at the age of 50. During this period, several systems in the body experience a decrease in function, including those related to female reproduction. Especially if women undergo postmenopausal hormone therapy, it can increase the risk of breast cancer.
7. Breast Cancer Due to Weight
Causes of breast cancer (credit: freepik.com)
The risk factor for breast cancer is also more susceptible to overweight women. Because excess weight triggers the possibility of increased estrogen production, making it vulnerable to breast cancer. Excess weight not only poses a risk to breast cancer but also other health disorders such as heart problems.
8. Breast Cancer Due to Alcohol
Not a secret anymore, alcohol has negative effects on the body, including the risk of breast cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), women who consume alcohol are more vulnerable to breast cancer compared to those who don't.
9. Breast Cancer Due to Radiation
The cause of breast cancer can also be due to radiation exposure. It is known that radiation increases the risk of breast cancer in women, especially if they have undergone radiation treatment in the chest area at a young age or before the age of 39. Consultation with a doctor is necessary to determine the effects of radiation.
10. Breast Cancer Due to Menstruation Before 12 Years Old
Causes of breast cancer (credit: freepik.com)
Entering the menstruation period is a sign that a woman has entered puberty. However, starting menstruation before the age of 12 can increase the risk of breast cancer. If you experience menstruation before the age of 12, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to prevent health issues as early as possible.
11. Having Children After 30 Years Old
Causes of breast cancer (credit: freepik.com)
The causes of breast cancer can also occur because of having the first child after the age of 30. After the age of 30, never experiencing the first pregnancy, not breastfeeding, also potentially vulnerable to breast cancer.
12. Greater Risk in Women
Although it is possible for men to develop breast cancer, breast cancer occurs more frequently in women. Gender plays a role in the occurrence of breast cancer found in various parts of the world. Early prevention can be done through examination and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Those are the 12 causes of breast cancer that should not be taken lightly, along with their risk factors. Consultation with a doctor and breast health check-ups should be considered to prevent this health disorder as early as possible.
(kpl/nlw)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.