Angelina Jolie Breast Cancer: What Are The Causes of Breast Cancer?

Angelina Jolie Breast Cancer Wikipedia: Angelina Jolie underwent genetic testing five years ago and learned she carried a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, putting her at an extremely high chance of developing breast cancer. She then decided to have a preventative double mastectomy to reduce that risk.

As a member of the medical team that helped Ms. Jolie through her mastectomy, reconstruction, and rehabilitation, I was profoundly inspired by her bravery and kindness. A growing number of high-risk women today are encouraged by her experience to get genetic screening. Women are learning more about the benefits of mastectomy and reconstruction for cancer prevention.

This has been labeled the “Angelina Jolie effect” by the press. It never ceases to amaze me how one lady can have such a profoundly constructive effect on the world. I have witnessed women whose lives were probably saved because of the “Angelina Jolie effect” of increased public awareness. Breast cancer risk assessment has developed significantly during the previous five years.

We now know that BRCA mutations are just two of many transformations that substantially increase breast cancer risk. Mutations in numerous genes, such as CHEK2, PALB2, PTEN, and TP53, can now be assessed with a single test using a multi-gene panel. The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer can be better estimated if these gene alterations have been identified.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Cancer that begins in the breast cells is known as breast cancer. Breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer in women in the United States, after skin cancer. Even while men are not immune to developing breast cancer, women are significantly more likely to be diagnosed with the disease.

There have been improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer thanks to the widespread public support for both causes. Earlier identification, a novel customized approach to therapy, and a better knowledge of the disease have all contributed to a rise in breast cancer survival rates and a steady decline in fatalities linked with this disease.

What Are The Causes of Breast Cancer?

The unusual growth of breast cells is what doctors consider to be the root cause of breast cancer. These cells proliferate at an abnormally high rate compared to normal cells and continue to collect, eventually producing a mass or lump. It is possible for cells to travel (metastasize) from your breast to your lymph nodes and beyond.

Cancerous changes in breast tissue typically begin in the milk ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma). The lobules of the mammary glands are another possible site of origin for breast cancer (invasive lobular carcinoma). At the same time, it is also possible for cancer to begin in other cells or tissues of the breast.

According to studies, studies have linked hormonal, behavioral, and environmental factors to an increased risk of breast cancer. However, it is unclear why some people develop cancer despite having no known risk factors, while others who have risk factors never become sick. Developing breast cancer is probably the result of a complicated interaction between your genes and your environment.

Inherited Breast Cancer

Five to ten percent of breast cancer cases are thought to be related to inherited gene alterations. Several hereditary mutations can increase breast cancer risk in genes. The most well-known of these genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2, which dramatically raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Your doctor may suggest a blood test to help detect particular mutations in BRCA or other genes if you have a strong family history of breast cancer or other cancers. Consider having a genetic counselor look through your family’s medical records after getting a referral from your doctor. A genetic counselor can help you weigh the pros and cons of genetic testing and make informed choices with your loved ones.

What Are The Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

• A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
• Change in the size, shape, or appearance of a breast
• Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
• A newly inverted nipple
• Peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin
• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange

What Are The Risk Factors of Breast Cancer?

If something raises your chances of developing breast cancer, we call it a risk factor for breast cancer. However, just because you have a risk factor for breast cancer doesn’t indicate you definitely will get the disease. Most cases of breast cancer in women have no identifiable risk factors apart from being female.

Among the risk factors for breast cancer are:

• Being Female: Breast cancer is more common in women than in men.
• Increasing Age: As you age, your risk of developing breast cancer rises.
• A Personal History of Breast Conditions: Breast cancer risk is higher in women who have undergone a biopsy that revealed lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical breast hyperplasia.
• A Personal History of Breast Cancer: You are more likely to get breast cancer in the other breast if you’ve already had it in one.
• A Family History of Breast Cancer: You have a higher risk of developing breast cancer if either your mother, sister, or daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a young age. However, the vast majority of breast cancer patients come from families with no history of the illness.
• Inherited Genes That Increase Cancer Risk: A higher chance of developing breast cancer is associated with inheriting specific gene mutations from one’s parents. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most common mutations in these genes. Although these genes significantly raise the risk of developing breast and other cancers, they do not guarantee a person will develop the disease.
• Radiation Exposure: Radiation therapy to the chest during childhood or early adulthood increases the risk of developing breast cancer later in life.
• Obesity: The chance of developing breast cancer is elevated in obese women.
• Beginning Your Period At A Younger Age: If your first period doesn’t arrive until you’re 12, you’re at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
• Beginning Menopause At An Older Age: There is a correlation between late menopause and an increased risk of breast cancer.
• Having Your First Child At An Older Age: There is some evidence that women who wait until they are 30 or older to start a family are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
• Having Never Been Pregnant: Breast cancer is more common among women who have never given birth than those who have had one or more pregnancies.
• Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy: When used to address the symptoms of menopause, hormone treatment medicines enhance a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer because of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Women who stop using these drugs reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.
• Drinking Alcohol: Breast cancer risk rises with alcohol consumption.

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