Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer like all cancers is an abnormal growth of cells which have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Cancers are called malignant, and are different to benign growths which don't have the ability to spread.

Breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer affecting women. In Australia about one in seven to one in eight women will get breast cancer. Fortunately because the treatments for breast cancer are very effective for many cases, the 5 year survival is over 90%.

What are the Causes of Breast Cancer?

There is not one single cause for breast cancer, in most cases and often its cause is multifactorial.

The risk of getting breast cancer include the following:

1. Being female: this may sound a little obvious but it is important to note that male breast cancer does occur in about one in every 150 cases or so. 
2. Age: as one gets older the risk of getting breast cancer is greater even beyond your 70s so that if you are healthy in this age bracket it's still worth continuing with regular mammography and screening
3. Genetic's and inherited genes: it's important to realise that most breast cancers are not directly related to inheriting a gene and are sporadic meaning that they arise from many insults on our DNA finally resulting in cells growing out of control.
4. High levels of radiation exposure to the upper body (Mantle radiotherapy): this is becoming less common a cause as such radiation treatment for cancers including lymphoma has become more historical and not commonly used now. It's important to note that low levels of radiation such as mammography do not cause an increase risk of breast cancer.
5. Menstrual and obstetric history: early onset of periods ( Menarche) and delayed menopause increase the risk of breast cancer. Having babies early in your reproductive life and breastfeeding are protective
6. Breast density: the higher the breast density, particularly in older women the greater the risk of developing breast cancer. Women with high breast density should consider adding Ultrasound to mammography for screening. MRI may also be useful in this group. 
7. A past history of atypia on breast biopsy: this may increase the risk of developing breast cancer by 2 to 4 times or more depending on the type of change seen on histology. 
8. Lifestyle factors: these would include alcohol consumption, obesity and prolonged hormone replacement therapy usage

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk in breast cancer but this association is poorly understood. At BreastCare, we do check vitamin D levels in patients presenting with breast cancer as there is some data to indicate an improved outcome if this deficiency is corrected.