What outside factors can increase breast cancer risks?

Little known factors that can increase the risk of breast cancer include the following:

• Textured breast implants
• PFAS exposure
• Diabetes medication – Metformin
• Heartburn medication – Zantac

Some risks for developing breast cancer are beyond your control. For example, women with a BRCA gene mutation are seven times more likely to get breast cancer. The BRCA gene mutation is a genetic predisposition to developing certain types of cancer. A BRCA test allows patients and their providers to come up with a comprehensive treatment plan to avoid developing cancer. However, there are several factors that can increase breast cancer risks.

Breast tissue begins developing from the moment a person is born and matures through puberty, pregnancy and menopause. During your lifetime, you are exposed to chemicals, diet and social factors that can increase the risks of breast cancer later in life. It’s important to understand what those risk factors are when you making decisions about medical treatments you may need throughout your life. 

What are cancer risk factors I cannot change?

Cancer is caused by changes to certain genes that alter the way cells function. Genetic changes can occur naturally and are often the result of women’s bodies being unique. but 

Getting older

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most breast cancer is found in women who are older than 50. 

Genetic mutations

As mentioned above, there BRCA1 and BRCA2 are inherited gene mutations that can indicate a higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer. 

Reproductive history

Early menstrual periods and late menopause can raise a woman’s breast cancer risks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, early menstrual periods before age 12 and starting menopause after 55 expose women to hormones longer. 

Dense breasts

Because there is more connective tissue than fatty tissue in dense breasts, these women are more likely to get breast cancer. In addition, breast density can make it difficult to see tumors on a mammogram. 

Little known factors that can contribute to cancer

Generally, we are all aware the best way to avoid increasing our cancer risks is through not smoking, as well as avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals that can cause cancer. Changes in other areas of your life such as moving to day-shift work after an extended period can also help prevent cancer. Cancer can also be the result of environmental factors that damage DNA, as well as medicine and medical devices.

Textured implants

Allergan recalled their BIOCELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders because of their link to breast cancer. Researchers have long studied the possible link between breast implants and the development of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). 

PFAS Exposure 

Research has consistently shown that women firefighters are exposed to higher levels of toxic PFAS chemicals. However, these women are developing breast cancer at higher rates than their non-firefighter counterparts. 

In addition to firefighters, because of high-level water contamination near military sites, women and children who have been exposed to PFAS through contaminated water also carry higher risks of developing breast cancer. 

Thousands have begun filing PFAS lawsuits against manufacturers. The chemical doesn’t break down and builds up in the body over time. 

Diabetes Medication – Metformin

Metformin is the fourth most commonly prescribed medication in the United States. It is used to control Type 2 diabetes. A metformin recall earlier this year stems from findings that metformin contains unacceptably high levels of the carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

Heartburn medication – Zantac

Zantac was first recalled by the FDA on September 13, 2019 and was officially pulled from shelves on September 28, 2019. Once used to treat and prevent heartburn, GERD and stomach ulcers, it has since been found to contain the carcinogen impurity NDMA. Breast cancer is just one of the cancers linked to NDMA.

The Carlson Law Firm can help

The Carlson Law Firm has been handling lawsuits against negligent companies who put the lives of Americans in danger for more than four decades. We are a leading, nationally recognized personal injury law firm with a successful track record of representing victims who have been hurt through no-fault of their own. Additionally, our firm has several nationally recognized trial lawyers that are ready to ensure your lawsuit gets you a favorable recovery. 

The Carlson Law Firm has the resources to ensure all legal options are explored on your behalf. We care, we can help.