Regular breast screening may also highlight changes in the breast. A biopsy may also be carried out, so that a sample of the lump can be examined in a laboratory. The precise reasons why a woman develops breast cancer are still unknown, but are thought to be a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Scientists have identified two genes which are more likely to be present in a breast cancer patient than someone without breast cancer. Some of these genes are also blamed for some other cancers.
Hormones seem to have an important role in breast cancer.
Research has shown a link between levels of the female sex hormone, oestrogen, and the risk of developing breast cancer. Women who have their first child later in life also appear to be at higher risk of developing breast cancer, as do women who have a high number of benign breast lumps. If cancer is confirmed, then there are variety of treatments available, depending on the size of type of the tumour, and whether doctors believe it has or could have spread. Most women with breast cancer do not need to have a breast removed. The bigger the tumour relative to the size of the breast, the more likely that mastectomy will be recommended.