Genetic and biological factors influence cancer risk

While healthy lifestyle choices such as nutritious eating, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco can lower the risk of developing cancer, they cannot eliminate it entirely. Cancer is a multifactorial disease driven by a combination of environmental exposures, infections, aging, and biological processes.

Inherited genetic mutations play a significant role in susceptibility. For instance, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can substantially increase the risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. Approximately 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to inherited damaged genes, including others such as PALB2, ATM, and CHEK2.

Beyond genetics, random cell mutations can occur during the DNA copying process. These biological errors can happen to anyone, regardless of lifestyle, as the body constantly creates new cells. Additionally, family history remains a critical indicator; having a first-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer can approximately double a woman's risk.