Site Logo Site Logo
Donate HOPE Kits
  • About Breast Cancer
  • Find Support
  • Get Involved
  • More
    • About NBCF
    • Free Resources
    • NBCF Blog
    • Wall of Support
    • In The News
    • Recursos en Español
    • Contact Us
Search Icon Search Icon
Site Logo
  • About Breast Cancer
  • Find Support
  • Get Involved
  • More
    • About NBCF
    • Free Resources
    • NBCF Blog
    • Wall of Support
    • In The News
    • Recursos en Español
    • Contact Us
Donate HOPE Kits

About Breast Cancer > What is Breast Cancer? > Causes of Breast Cancer

  • What is Breast Cancer?
    • Understanding Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer Facts & Stats
    • Growth of Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer Risk Factors
    • Causes of Breast Cancer
    • Breast Anatomy
    • Breast Tumors
    • Breast Cancer Genetics
      • Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
      • BRCA: The Breast Cancer Gene
      • Other Breast Cancer Genes
      • What To Do If You Tested Positive
  • Early Detection
    • Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms
    • Breast Lump
    • Breast Pain
    • Breast Cyst
    • Breast Self-Exam
    • Clinical Breast Exam
    • Mammogram
    • How to Schedule a Mammogram
    • Healthy Habits
  • Diagnosis
    • Breast Cancer Screening
    • Diagnostic Mammogram
    • Ultrasound
    • MRI
    • Breast Biopsy
    • Lab Tests
    • Waiting For Results
  • Stages
    • Breast Cancer Stages
    • Stage 0
    • Stage 1 (Stage 1A and 1B)
    • Stage 2 (Stage 2A and 2B)
    • Stage 3 (Stage 3A, 3B, and 3C)
    • Stage 4
  • Types of Breast Cancer
    • Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
    • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
    • Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
    • Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
    • Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
    • Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC)
    • Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
    • Other Types
    • Male Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
  • Treatment
    • Choosing Your Doctor
    • Surgery
      • Lumpectomy
      • Mastectomy
      • Lymph Node Removal & Lymphedema
      • Breast Reconstruction
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation Therapy
    • Hormone Therapy
    • Targeted Therapy
    • Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment and How to Manage Them
    • Standard Treatment vs. Clinical Trials
    • Physical Activity, Wellness & Nutrition
    • Follow-Up Care
    • Bone Health
  • Breast Cancer Myths
    • Myth: A breast injury can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: Breast cancer is more common in women with bigger breasts
    • Myth: Breast cancer only affects middle-aged or older women
    • Myth: Breast pain is a definite sign of breast cancer
    • Myth: Consuming sugar causes breast cancer
    • Myth: Carrying a phone in your bra can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: All breast cancers are the same
    • Myth: Bras with underwire can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer
    • Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only
    • Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer or spread it
    • Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too
    • Myth: Breast cancer is contagious
    • Myth: If the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 is detected in your DNA, you will definitely develop breast cancer
    • Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer
  • FAQs
    • Can physical activity reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Can a healthy diet help to prevent breast cancer?
    • Does smoking cause breast cancer?
    • Can drinking alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer?
    • How often should I do a breast self exam (BSE)?
    • Does a family history of breast cancer put someone at a higher risk?
    • Are mammograms painful?
    • How does menstrual and reproductive history affect breast cancer risks?
    • How often should I go to my doctor for a check-up?
    • What kind of impact does stress have on breast cancer?
    • What celebrities have or have had breast cancer?
    • Where can I find a breast cancer support group?
    • Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is dairy (milk) linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
    • Is hair dye linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
  • Free Educational Guides
    • NEW! Glossary of Common Breast Cancer Terms
    • 5 Ingredient Healthy Meals Cookbook
    • 3 Steps to Early Detection Guide
    • Healthy Living & Personal Risk Guide
    • Male Breast Cancer: What Men Need to Know
    • Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer… Now What?
    • Smart Bites Cookbook:
      7 Wholesome Recipes in 35 Minutes (or Less!)
    • Weekly Healthy Living Tips: Volume 2
    • Most Asked Questions: Breast Cancer Signs & Symptoms
    • Cancer Caregiver Guide
    • Breast Cancer Surgery eBook
    • 10 Prompts to Mindfulness
    • How to Talk About Breast Health
    • Family Medical History Checklist
    • Healthy Recipes for Cancer Patients eBook
    • Chemo Messages
    • Most Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Recurrence
    • Breast Problems That Arent Breast Cancer eBook
    • Nutrition Care for Breast Cancer Patients eBook
    • Finding Hope that Heals eBook
    • Dense Breasts Q&A Guide
    • Breast Cancer Recurrence eBook
    • What to Say to a Cancer Patient eBook
    • Weekly Healthy Living Tips
    • Bra Fit Guide
    • Know the Symptoms Guide
    • Breast Health Guide
    • Mammogram 101 eBook
    • Abnormal Mammogram eBook
    • What Every Woman Needs to Know eBook
  • Breast Cancer Resources

Causes of Breast Cancer

By NBCF team

Last updated on Apr 1, 2025

Medically reviewed on Jun 15, 2023
by: Lillie D. Shockney

Protect Your Health

Did you know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime? While you can’t usually prevent cancer, it is important to be proactive about your health. Get the free Healthy Living and Personal Risk Guide to help you protect your overall health and assess your breast cancer risk.

Where can we send your copy of this helpful guide?


Causes Of Breast Cancer: How Did This Happen? 

When you’re told that you have breast cancer, it’s natural to wonder what may have caused the disease. But no one knows the exact causes of breast cancer. Doctors seldom know why one woman develops breast cancer and another doesn’t, and most women who have breast cancer will never be able to pinpoint an exact cause. What we do know is that breast cancer is always caused by damage to a cell’s DNA.


Known Risk Factors

Women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of getting a disease. Some risk factors (such as drinking alcohol) can be avoided. But most risk factors (such as having a family history of breast cancer) can’t be avoided. Having a risk factor does not mean that a woman will get breast cancer. Many women who have risk factors never develop breast cancer.


Detecting Breast Cancer Earlier

Breast cancer can’t usually be prevented, but you can take three important steps to help detect it earlier. The free resource, 3 Steps to Early Detection, can increase your chance of finding breast cancer before it spreads.

Tell us where we can send you your copy.


Related reading:

  • Understanding Breast Cancer
  • Breast Cancer Facts & Stats
  • Growth of Breast Cancer
  • Risk Factors
  • Breast Anatomy
Breast Anatomy
Risk Factors
National Breast Cancer Foundation Logo
ABOUT BREAST CANCER
  • What Is Breast Cancer?
  • Early Detection
  • Diagnosis
  • Stages
  • Types of Breast Cancer
  • Treatment
  • Breast Cancer Myths
  • Breast Cancer FAQs
  • Free Educational Guides
  • Breast Cancer Resources
FIND SUPPORT
  • National Mammography Program
  • Patient Navigator Program
  • HOPE Kit
  • Metastatic Breast Cancer Retreats
  • Breast Cancer Support Group
  • Breast Health Education
  • Breast Cancer Awareness in the Workplace
  • Breast Cancer Research
  • Wall of Support
GET INVOLVED
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • Give
  • Fundraise
  • Corporate Partnership
  • Charitable Partner Learning Center
  • Donate Products
  • NBCF Shop
  • Volunteer
  • Manage My Donation
ABOUT NBCF
  • The NBCF Story
  • Our Impact
  • Our Founder
  • Our Corporate Partners
  • People
  • Careers
  • Financial Reports
  • Contact Us
  • Media Inquiries
  • Sitemap
Charity Navigator Four Star v01 white
2024 Great Nonprofits badge v01 WHITE
Candid 2024 WHITE
Instagram social link Facebook social link YouTube social link Twitter social link LinkedIn social link
PO Box 676910, Dallas, TX 75267-6910
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Trademark Licensing
  • Contact Us
©2024 National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Tax ID Number: 75-2391148. All rights reserved. Site by GLIDE.