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Known Causes of Breast Cancer for Women Rock! Crispin H Pierce, Ph.D. Environmental Public Health Program University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire What is Cancer? • An uncontrolled growth of mutated cells. • Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the site of origin to different parts of the body. How Does Cancer Develop? • First there is damage to the DNA from a chemical (e.g., benzene) or a physical agent (e.g., radiation), or we are born with a defective gene (e.g., mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene). • Second, further exposure to damaging chemicals or physical agents allows the mutated DNA to be replicated in many cells. • Third, the mutated cells grow without control, forming a tumor. Overall Causes of Cancer What are the Known Risk Factors for Breast Cancer? • Family history of breast cancer. Having a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer doubles a woman's risk. • However, 70-80% of women who develop breast cancer have no family history of this disease. • Mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. • 5-10% of breast cancer cases are related to mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. • Exposure to estrogenic compounds: early start to menarche (<12), late menopause (>65). What are the Known Causes of Breast Cancer? • Early exposure to radiation. • Exposure to radiation treatment in the chest area raises the risk. Regular X-rays do not raise risk of breast cancer. • Alcohol use. • One drink per day raises risk slightly, 2-5 drinks per day raised the risk to 150% of nondrinkers. • Being overweight or obese. • Weight gain during adulthood, waist fat, and being overweight after menopause are associated with greater breast cancer rates. • Exposure to estrogenic compounds: recent use of birth control pills, not having children or having children after 30, hormone replacement therapy, not breast feeding. • Lack of exercise. • As little as 1.25 hours per week of brisk walking reduces risk. • Maternal use of diethylstilbestrol (DES). • Pollution: exposure to some chlorinated organics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and triazine herbicides. • Night work? • High fat diet? • Infectious agents? How Can We Reduce Risk? • Maintain a diet focused on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. • Minimize alcohol consumption. • Get regular exercise and maintain a body mass index of < 25 kg/m2. • Perform regular self-exams and get regular mammograms. • Consider testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes if there is a familial risk of breast cancer. • Use Tamoxifen or Raloxifene if at high risk for breast cancer. Contact Information • Crispin H Pierce, PhD • [email protected] • 715-836-5589 This is Why I Care