Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women.
It can affect anyone, but it’s most common among age groups 45-64 years old.
You should take steps to protect yourself from this disease by being aware of your body and staying ahead of any changes that might be signs of breast cancer.
Let’s explore what you need to know about breast cancer–its prevalence, risk factors, symptoms, and more – according to your age.
18 to 45 Years Old
Breast cancer can affect anyone, but it’s most common among age groups 45-64 years old.
If you’re in the 18 to 45-year-old group, there is a slightly higher chance of developing breast cancer if you were exposed to radiation x-rays, received several chest x-rays at a young age, or have been exposed to high-dose radiation.
You are also at a slightly higher risk if you have Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, which is an inherited disease that causes changes in your genes.
What can be done? If you are within this age group, it is important to be aware of your body and any changes that might happen.
Watch for new lumps, any changes in your skin, or any other symptoms that cause concern.
Early detection is key to the successful treatment of breast cancer as a common treatment for breast cancer includes surgery.
If you have a high risk of breast cancer, doctors will often recommend a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy, which is a surgery that removes both breasts even if there is no sign of cancer in either one.
While there is a chance of possible surgery factors, you’ll also have the idea of considering breast cancer reconstruction surgeon in some cases,
45 to 65 Years Old Women
Risk factors for breast cancer are generally higher in this age group because after the age of 45, women are more likely to experience menopause which often leads to changes in their hormone levels.
Some of these risk factor causes are the same as those that increase your risk for breast cancer between the ages of 18 and 45.
If you’re in this age group, it’s important to protect yourself from other risk factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol regularly, being overweight or obese, and exercising inconsistently.
You should also make sure you get regular mammograms every year and see your doctor if you notice any suspicious changes to your breasts.
65 Years Old and Older
This group is considered the highest risk group as they are most likely to be in menopause and their hormone levels might be more affected by cancerous tumors.
As you age, you must stay ahead of your breast health by getting regular mammograms to screen for cancer.
Older women tend to show cancer symptoms such as a lump, skin changes, and other abnormalities earlier than younger women because they are more likely to notice these changes.
So if you’re in this age group, be sure to keep an eye out for any changes and visit your doctor right away if you find anything suspicious.
Some Common Factors
Breast cancer can also have a genetic factor but you are generally considered to be at an increased risk if you have any of the following:
- A family history of breast cancer. If someone in your immediate family has had breast cancer, you are 1.8 times more likely to develop it too.
- If you are African American or Hispanic/Latino, your risk is lower than Caucasian women but higher than women of Asian descent.
- If you have had radiation therapy to the chest in the past for another type of cancer.
- If you have lived in areas that have high levels of radiation in the soil, water, or air.
- If you have had previous treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid cancer, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- If you begin menstruating before age 12 or have gone through menopause after age 55.
- If you drink alcoholic beverages regularly.
- If you are over the age of 60, you are more likely to develop breast cancer that is estrogen receptor-negative. This means that tests for this type of cancer are not very effective because the hormone treatments don’t work on these tumors.
Risk Factors for Men
Men can also develop breast cancer but it’s very rare because their estrogen levels are lower compared to women.
Like women, men who are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer include those who have had radiation exposure, previous cancer treatment, and if their family also has a history of the disease.
And, compared to women, age is not as much of a risk factor for men, but it’s still worth noting.
If you are concerned about your risk or want more information, talk with your doctor or schedule an appointment at a breast center.
It’s important to get screened regularly because early detection is the best way to ensure the successful treatment of breast cancer.
If you’re in the age group that is most at risk, it’s important to take action and get screened regularly.