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what causes breast cancer and what are the measures needed to prevent it?

I just want somebody to tell me everything I need to know about breast cancer.What causes it,is it generic,are there foods or other things we use in our daily lives that actually cause it like perfumes?How about chemicals found in the preservatives used in packed or canned foods things like MSG .I would appreciate it if someone clarified this for me

Breast cancer is a common form of cancer among women in the United States, Canada and Europe. However, in Africa and Asia, the prevalence is much lower, indicating the possibility of environmental triggers as well as a genetic predisposition. While the number one risk factor is simply being female, other risk factors include:

-Age – Breast cancer occurs more often in women over 50 and is less common in pre-menopausal women. American Cancer Society (ACS).
-Family History – Women with family history of breast cancer have a greater risk of developing the disease.
-Genetic factors – Inheriting mutations or alterations of certain genes called BRCA-1 and BRCAS-2 increases the risk of developing breast cancer. The ACS estimates that 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases result from inherited mutations of these genes. A woman with these genes has an 80 percent chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime, according to the ACS. Women with a family history of breast cancer may be tested for the mutated gene. However, interpretation of the test results and decisions about treatment are complicated. Recent studies have identified other genes and gene mutations that may be associated with breast cancer. Several studies have shown nearly 200 gene mutations that are associated with some breast tumors.
-Previous history of breast cancer or of Benign breast Tumors – This includes being diagnosed with breast cancer as well as non-cancerous tumors. Research has demonstrated the risk of developing breast cancer varies with the actual type of benign breast disease found in a woman.
-Race – Breast cancer is more common in white women than in those of other races, including Hispanic, Asian or black American. .
-Hormone factors – Hormones may increase the risk of breast cancer. Hormonal influences that are believed to raise the risk include:
-Early menstruation – Women who started their period before 12 years of age.
-Late menopause – Women who go through menopause after age 55.
-Pregnancy history – Women who have their first child after the age of 30 or who have had fewer pregnancies or no pregnancies.
-Hormone drugs – The use of oral contraceptives has been linked to a slight increase in breast cancer risk.
-Breast density – Women with less fatty, denser breasts, which are normally older women, have an increased chance of breast cancer.
-Obesity after menopause – In postmenopausal women, estrogen is primarily produced by fat tissue. If a woman is significantly overweight, she has more fat tissue and more estrogen is being produced in their body.
-Radiation to the chest area – For women treated for Hodgkins Lymphoma with radiation to the chest before age 30, the chances of developing breast cancer are higher than the general population.
-Sedentary lifestyle – Women who are physically inactive have a higher rate of breast cancer, possibly due to a sedentary lifestyle.
-Use of Alcohol – Several studies have concluded that the more alcohol consumed by a woman, the higher her risk of breast cancer becomes.

For prevention of Breast Cancer, if at all we can do anything, it starts with our own Lifestyle choices and healthy habits – such as staying physically active, limiting alcohol and eating right. Among the easiest things to control are what you eat and drink and how active you are. Here are some strategies that may help you decrease your risk of breast cancer:

• LIMIT ALCOHOL
• MAINTAIN A HELTHY WEIGHT
• STAY ACTIVE
• CONSIDER LIMITING FAT IN YOUR DIET
• Avoid HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (HRT) –
• CHECK YOUR BREASTS EVERY MONTH
• DO NOT FORGETTO GET
• Consider BREASTFEEDING instead of formula feeding
• HAVE CILDRENT EARLIER in life
• Avoid taking unnecessary ANTIBIOTICS.
• Be CAUTIOUS about PESTICIDES
• Nothing you can guarantee your life will be free from Cancer. But if you practice healthy habits and consult your doctor about extra measures you can take, you may at least reduce your risk of this potentially fatal disease.-