Why does Breast Cancer happen? 5 biggest triggers according to the latest research

Time of India

06-06-2025

Breast cancer is one of the leading cancers in the world, where cells in the breast grow out of control, forming tumors. These tumors can spread to other parts of the body, potentially becoming life-threatening.
Breast cancer most often begins in the milk ducts or lobules, but can also develop in other tissues. While breast cancer is fully treatable if caught early, doctors are trying to identify potential triggers that can prevent its onset in the first place. Here are 5 reasons that breast cancers are becoming more and more common...
Genetic Mutations
One of the strongest risk factors for breast cancer is inherited genetic mutations, especially in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
These genes normally help protect cells from becoming cancerous. But when they mutate, this protection weakens, increasing the chance of breast cancer. Women with a BRCA1 mutation have up to a 72% lifetime risk, and those with BRCA2 have about a 69% risk of developing breast cancer. These mutations often lead to breast cancer at a younger age than usual.
Because these genes run in families, women with close relatives who had breast or ovarian cancer should consider genetic testing and potential steps to minimise their risk of having cancer.
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Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle choices play a major role in breast cancer risk, especially for women aged 40-49. Being overweight or obese increases the risk because excess fat tissue produces more estrogen, a hormone that can fuel some breast cancers. Smoking is another serious risk factor; chemicals in cigarettes can damage breast cells and increase cancer chances. Interestingly, moderate physical activity can lower risk, but studies show that women who are only moderately active still face increased breast cancer rates compared to those who are more active.
This suggests that staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight are important ways to reduce breast cancer risk.
Hormonal and Reproductive Factors
Hormones have a big influence on breast cancer risk. Women who start menstruating early, go through menopause late, or use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a long time have higher exposure to estrogen and progesterone, which can increase cancer risk.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding also affect risk; women who have children earlier and breastfeed tend to have lower risk. Hormonal contraceptives may slightly increase risk, but this usually returns to normal after stopping them.
These factors show how a woman's lifetime exposure to hormones can impact breast cancer development.
Metabolic Health
Recent research highlights the importance of metabolic health in breast cancer risk.
Conditions like diabetes and insulin resistance can increase the chance of developing breast cancer, especially after menopause. High insulin levels promote cell growth and reduce cell death, which can encourage cancer development. Obesity and poor metabolism also cause hormonal imbalances that contribute to breast cancer.
Managing blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medical care is therefore important for lowering risk.
Environmental Exposures
Exposure to certain environmental factors can also raise breast cancer risk. Ionizing radiation, such as from medical treatments like chest radiotherapy, significantly increases the chance of breast cancer, especially if exposure happens at a young age. Some chemicals, including endocrine disruptors found in plastics and cosmetics, may interfere with hormone systems and promote cancer. Pollution and heavy metals like cadmium have also been linked to higher breast cancer risk.
Minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure and using safer products can help reduce risk.
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