The Risk of Breast Cancer Increases with Age
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women in the United States, second only to skin cancer. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer increases as she gets older.
Why Does the Risk of Breast Cancer Increase with Age?
The aging process has the most influence on a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. This is because as we age, our bodies experience more genetic damage or mutations, and the older we get, the less capable our bodies are of repairing the genetic damage.
Each year approximately 1 in 1000 women at the age of 40 will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The likelihood increases to approximately 1.1/1000 at age 41, 1.2/1000 by age 42, etc. This increases to 2/1000 by age 50, 2.1/1000 by age 51, up to 3/1000 by age 60, and so on. Doctors most commonly diagnose breast cancer in women who are 55-64 years old. There is no decade of life, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, or 70-79, which accounts for more than 25% of the cancers diagnosed each year.
More than 98% of cases diagnosed at stage 1 are treatable, and those diagnosed have a 90% chance of continuing to live a long life, but early diagnosis is the key. This is why women should have annual mammograms beginning at age 40.
Other Risk Factors
More factors that can increase the risk of breast cancer include:
Extended exposure to hormones such as starting menstrual periods before age 12, starting menopause after age 55, hormone replacement therapy taken during menopause, and use of certain oral contraceptives.
Genetic mutations, such as inherited changes to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Having dense breasts
Personal or family history of cancer
Not being physically active
Obesity after menopause
Drinking alcohol
Smoking
To help us find the 1 in 8, schedule a mammogram today.