What do you think caused your breast cancer?

Well, I asked my surgeon at one of the country's top cancer centers the question we all do: "Why?"
Her response: "You are 70 years old and you are a women." That was it.
Of course, we/most/none... say the usual: Genetics (very true & the answer in many cases), obesity, smoking, drinking, lack of exercise, processed foods/an unhealthy "fast food" diet, lack of Vitamin D3, past hormonal treatments/birth control pills, environmental factors, i.e. air pollution, potentially hazard cleaning products/makeup, putting a cell phone close to your breasts, working in a potentially hazard place of business, history of cysts, dense breasts, breast microcalcifications, non-compliant with screenings...the "explanation" list goes on.
Me? I have some of the mentioned risk factors (absolutely NO breast cancer history, maternal or paternal side, no genetic markers/predisposition.)
Personally (and this is just me:) my ex-husband gave me PTSD, divorced after a 30 year marriage.
1. He gave me heart disease/cardiovascular issues in my 40s.
2. Over the past 3 years (all routine prior mammograms normal) my adult son has/is giving me enormous, chronic stress ages 67-present (diagnosed on my birthday, age 70). He gave me breast cancer.
The STRESS of these 2 men and my "personality" (taking care of others my whole life, not myself in any way) gave me these 2 major health conditions BOTH fueled my relentless stress which = Inflammation, which = Illnesses.
That's the cause of my heart disease and that's the cause of my breast cancer. My personal beliefs.
May we ALL be helped and have blessings in our lives to lead/return to beautiful, peaceful, fulfilling lives.

@briarrose
OMG. Out of there people that can make our life hell ( boss, spouse, children) you got two! I hope you are in better situation with one out of your life. I’m a brca mutation carrier so I can’t blame on them although I worked for a crazy boss for a while, the kind that needs psychiatric intervention. I can’t imagine dealing with bad spouse who’s there 24 hrs. You’re right that stress can cause inflammation which causes cancer. I hope you find peace and enjoy your time now. Hugs.

I think it may be hereditary. My mom had it and then I had it. I'm have been known to have a few drinks now and then, but nothing extreme.

@ekorre Proving there is more than one single cause of cancer, which we all know. Alcohol is one. It is a carcinogen. Agreed that too much of anything causes adverse consequences.

@cashemire I don't believe that those procedures caused your cancer. I think they were a warning. If you do one of the questionnaires to see what your breast cancer score is you will see there are questions regarding having cysts and benign tumors, in the past. I had three benign adenoma tumors and 4 cysts removed starting when I was twenty- four. All in my left breast. I got cancer in my right breast first. Then left.

@colely Thanks, do you have a link to a questionnaire? I don't recall reading about link between cysts and bc

No one should blame themselves. It is many things: genetics, ( including many different genes other than the specific ones for breast cancer) stress, life choices and environmental exposures. What I do know is that my mother's generation, the one before baby boomers drank, smoked, ate whatever they wanted, and did not do a lot of exercise. They died in their 80s and 90s without breast cancer. Now it is on the rise for women under the age of 50. Colon, prostate, testicular, breast, ovarian, and pancreatic are on the rise and in younger people. Women in their 20s undergoing chemotherapy at my breast cancer center. My baby boomer classmates didn't get cancer until their 40s. I believe a lot of this is being caused by environmental exposures. Endocrine disrupting chemicals. PFAS, parabens, plastics, phalates, many pesticides. Unfortunately in 2025, environmental protections are being reduced. And many cancer research projects are not being funded, including breast cancer.

I had a lumpectomy in 1998 and this year was called back after a mammography evidenced micro-calcifications and pretty much in the same place. The breast radiologist did say, sometimes micro-calc's can form from previous damage to the tissue/surgery. I do have BC in the family; maternal Aunts and cousins. I carry BRIP and BMP1A mutations that are suspect variants for BC. My micro-calcs proved to be atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH) and at lumpectomy the path included ADH plus LCIS. I opted for a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy (DMX). I lived in the mediterranean for five years in my late 20's early 30's and adopted that diet. I have pretty much maintained that diet and I am 64. I regularly drank 4oz of wine with lunch OR dinner; not necessarily daily but always if I meal was heavy fat. I do believe alcohol can aid with digestion. I will drink socially but only one drink - and anything from a beer to spirits. Since my DMX I no longer drink wine regularly with meals. I have an occasional social tipple. I don't think my reduction in alcohol consumption is related to fear of BC returning (I have a 2-3% risk) but more because I want/ed my body to have every advantage to heal (DMX 7/9/25). I still feel like I am recovering - ask me in a year!

@colely I am not blaming myself. I just want to understand more.

@maymore I'm with you & staying healthy is my way of life now, too! The thing that surprises me is how much better I feel now that I've quit drinking entirely. I'm 72 & for many of us, social drinking was a way of life during our younger years. But now that I'm alcohol-free, my quality of life has improved! I was already vegan & mostly ate only organic but now I exercise more & I am also focusing on eliminating plastic food & drink containers. Which will surely help my overall health (whether or not it impacts my cancer recurrance)! I wish everyone well on their journeys! I'm grateful to still be here enjoying my life & I appreciate each & every day!