The exact cause of breast cancer is not known to the medical science. However, increasing age in women and female hormones play a part toward it. The chances of your developing breast cancer increase as your age increases. In the United States, If a woman lives to be 80, she will be approximately one in every seven women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

If breast cancer has happened to anyone in your family, odds for your developing it are high and if your mother, father or sister has had breast cancer your odds are higher. Furthermore, certain genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 carried by women also play a role in the development of breast cancer. It will be wise to be tested for these genes if there is a strong history of ovarian or breast cancer in your family. Inheriting particular mutations or changes in one or both of these genes results in a much greater risk of developing breast cancer.

It has been observed through many studies that those women who take hormone replacement therapy with progesterone and estrogen are at an increased risk of breast cancer. However, studies predict that the women who take estrogen alone may not have an increased breast cancer risk.

It is a common misconception that breast cancer is developed by women only. However, the reality is not as such. Approximately 1% of all breast cancer occurs in men. Over 65 men are the common victims of breast cancer. Nonetheless, it can appear in younger men as well. This is the reason that any breast lump in an adult man is considered abnormal.