MedifocusHealth

The exact cause(s) of DCIS is not yet know, however, certain risk factors have been identified. The risk factors for DCIS are similar to those for developing invasive breast cancer and include:

• Age - median age for DCIS is 45-65, similar to that of persons with invasive carcinoma
• Genetic Factors - Genetic mutations on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 (short for breast cancer 1 and breast cancer 2) genes are risk factors for the inherited form of breast cancer. Specific gene alterations have been identified in different ethnic groups. For example, about 2.3% of individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish decent have and altered BRACA1 or BRACA2 gene. This frequency is about 5 times higher than that of the general population. Currently, it is not known whether the increased frequency of these genetic alterations is responsible for the increased risk of breast cancer in Ashkenazi Jews.
• Family history of breast cancer (mother, sister, daughter, aunt, grandmother)
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Race - white women are more likely to develop breast cancer
• History of prior radiation treatment
• Menstruation before age 12
• Menopause after age 50
• Nulliparity or late parity - women who have never had children or had their first child after age 30 are at greater risk
• Birth control pills - there is a higher risk for up to 10 years after stopping oral contraceptives
• Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) - there may be a higher risk for women who use ERT longer than 10 years
• Alcohol - Women who have 2-5 drinks per day have 1/5 times increased risk
• Diet - Studies are ongoing regarding the association between breast cancer, obesity, and fat intake
• Abnormal findings (atypical hyperplasia) on previous breast biopsy