Confusion Over Causes Of Breast Cancer

09-10-2007 16:19

2 in 3 women mistakenly think that the majority of people who develop breast cancer get it because it runs in their family, when actually 1 in 20 women diagnosed with breast cancer have a strong family history of the disease due to inherited faults in known breast cancer genes.

The biggest risk factor of breast cancer is in fact getting older, and this can't be helped, along with drinking alcohol. However regular exercise reduces your chances of getting the disease, according to a report released today from Breakthrough Breast Cancer, the UK's leading breast cancer charity.

It is so important to be breast aware and as a result of breakthroughs' recent report and they are concerned that not enough people simply are, checking for vital signs and symptoms or attending breast screening appointments. These are crucial in helping early diagnosis, which gives the best chance of a successful outcome if breast cancer is found.

Our genes, lifestyle and the environment we live in are all thought to be common causes of breast cancer, however very little is known about the details and exact causes. A risk factor for breast cancer is something that may alter your likelihood of developing the disease.

Here to clear up the confusion about what might increase or decrease a woman's risk of breast cancer , Breakthrough Breast Cancer has produced an award winning booklet Breast Cancer Risk Factors: The Facts which you can download free from: www.breakthrough.org.uk or is available from the Breakthrough Information Line 08080 100 200.