What do you think caused your breast cancer?

In my case, I believe it was genetics. I have both the BRCA2 and CHEK2 mutations. I was told (after diagnosis) I had an 85% chance of getting breast cancer. Luckily, I was getting my annual mammograms because it was caught early that way.

It doesn’t do any good to blame yourself especially since you don’t even know the cause. Use your energy to live your best life of healthy habits going forward and encourage those around you to do the same. Also encourage others to keep up with their health checks even if they think they are healthy.

I don't think anyone really knows. I never smoked, drank, exercise constantly, didn't run in my family and dx last year. I did go through stressful time at work but it a mystery. It hard to believe after all these years and billions of dollars going to research they have no idea what actual cause is.

@debdeb1 I feel the same way. All the money over the years and the same treatments—poison (chemo), amputate and burn (radiation). I’m done with pink ribbons for awareness—we are all aware of breast cancer, now let’s talk cause/prevention and better treatments.

I believe DCIS protein left from breast feeding, now they are researching how to treat. For IDC, hormone positive..hormones, birth control, our horrible food with hormones and hormone replacement as we go through menopause.

I’m the ideal weight, never smoked, rarely have a glass of wine and have exercised my entire life. I have no gene mutations (tested) for any type of cancer. Nobody in my family down one side ever had any type of cancer and they smoke, drink and are obese.

Environment.
In the 1970s we lived next to a golf course that at that time still used pesticides that are now illegal. Our drinking water came from the ground water. An unusual number of women developed breast cancer and men other cancers.
Of course, chemo drugs did damage to my body for life.
I didn’t have any mutations then or now. However, my daughter has CHEK2.

Please don't blame yourself. The majority of breast cancer has no discernible cause. That can be scary too, as it means there is little way to avoid it. A healthy lifestyle is good, but I try to pursue it just because it feels right in the present. No one's habits are perfect. If I might make a suggestion--try and give up looking for a cause and blaming yourself. Can you try to go forward appreciating yourself and the care you are getting? Sometimes when I'm very down on myself I try to treat myself the way I would a friend or my daughter--I would't be mean! How are you doing physically? What helps you in terms of support?

@diannetaggart,
Welcome to Mayo Connect.
It is so hard to say what causes anyone's specific cancer. I have long list of things that may of increased my risk for breast caner. I never lived a healthy life style. But my sister, who lives in different state and lives a very healthy life style got breast cancer also. We both had genetic testing and no indication of genetic reason, or I should say nothing the doctors have figured out yet.

That is why the research doctors are doing to predict who is at higher risk and should have earlier imaging is so important.

You can not change history, so I would not dwell on what might of caused and take charge of things you can control.

@billiemoore I totally agree.

@mir123 I have adrenal insufficiency from the immunotherapy. I have a tumor on my pituitary gland. But I am well. I am happy to be alive. I stay positive and have my little dog Charlie. I am 64 years old. So life is good.

@diannetaggart the tumor is from the treatment...I will have to take steroids for life. I am not having pity party just explaining.