[Medical Q&A] What are the causes of breast cancer?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Kong Xiangyi, deputy chief physician, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences

At present, scientists have not yet fully solved the mystery of the cause of breast cancer. Nevertheless, some known risk factors may increase the likelihood of breast cancer. For example, a family history of breast cancer, specific gene mutations (such as BRCA gene mutations), chest radiotherapy at a young age, and the presence of atypical hyperplasia in the breast. Atypical hyperplasia includes lobular atypical hyperplasia and ductal atypical hyperplasia, which are high-risk factors for breast cancer.

Generally speaking, people over 40 years old should have a breast ultrasound examination once a year. But if the above risk factors exist, we may need to start screening earlier and increase the frequency of screening. In this way, we can detect possible pre-breast cancer lesions earlier. If breast cancer is treated in the early stages, the prognosis is usually much better than if it is treated in the late stages.

This is an important principle we need to master when facing breast cancer: early detection and early treatment. Although the cause of breast cancer is not fully understood, through active prevention and monitoring, we can effectively reduce the risk it brings.