Breast Cancer Risk by Age: What Seniors in Albany Should Know

The breast cancer risk by age goes up significantly, especially past 50, due to genetic changes, hormonal influences, and lifestyle factors. Seniors should stay on top of their health and cancer awareness with regular screenings, healthy habits, and open communication with their doctors.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that globally, there were around 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. In addition, there are 670,000 deaths annually from this cancer.

As you can see, it's a major health risk to women all over the world, so it's essential to know the facts surrounding breast cancer risk by age. If you're a senior in Albany, IN, and you'd like to learn more, then keep reading. This post will give you all the important information surrounding this subject.

What Is the #1 Cause of Breast Cancer?

There isn't a single cause of breast cancer that you can steer clear of. Instead, this disease comes from a combination of the following factors:

• Genetic
• Hormonal
• Lifestyle

These can all influence the way breast cells grow and divide.

With that said, the top underlying cause is genetic mutations in breast cells, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. These can be either inherited or acquired over time. Basically, when these genes fail to repair DNA properly, you may experience abnormal cell growth, which eventually turns into cancer.

Other key contributing factors are:

• Age-related DNA damage
• Hormonal influences (e.g., prolonged exposure to estrogen)
• Lifestyle factors (e.g., obesity, alcohol use, inactivity)
• Family history

What Age Is Most Vulnerable to Breast Cancer?

Your breast cancer risk goes up as you age. Women of all ages after puberty can get it, but most cases are in women who are over 50.

Here's a quick look at the breast cancer risk by age:

• Under 40: Rare, but possible
• Ages 40-49: Risk begins to rise
• Ages 50-69: The most vulnerable age range
• 70 and older: Risk is still high, but some cancers grow more slowly in this group

How Age Affects Breast Cancer Risk and Detection

There are both environmental and age-based risk factors that affect how likely you'll get breast cancer. One thing that we can't help is cumulative cell damage; the longer you live, the more opportunities there are for DNA damage to occur.

In addition, women go through menopause, which causes an estrogen drop. But your fat tissue still continues to produce small amounts of estrogen, so the more overweight you are, the more hormone exposure you'll have, which influences your cancer risk.

We also experience slower metabolism when we get older. As a result, our bodies are less able to remove toxins and repair damaged cells.

Lastly, older adults tend to have other health conditions that can mask or complicate detection and treatment. What all of this means is that regular screening is especially effective and necessary.

When Should Seniors Get Screened for Breast Cancer?

Senior screening guidelines for the US are as follows. If you're a woman aged 50 to 74, you should get a mammogram every two years. But if you have risk factors or family history, you might opt for annual screenings instead.

For women over 75, you should continue screenings if your life expectancy is at least 10 years and your overall health allows you to get treatment if cancer is found.

Mammograms aren't your only screening option, either. You can do clinical breast exams and self-awareness checks, or get a breast MRI if you're a high-risk individual.

How to Reduce Risk as You Age

Women's health in elderly populations is essential, especially for reducing cancer risk. Here's how to do so:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Have an active lifestyle
• Limit alcohol intake
• Avoid smoking
• Eat a balanced diet
• Manage chronic conditions
• Discuss hormone replacement therapy risks with your doctor before starting or continuing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can a 20-Year-Old Have Breast Cancer?

Yes, but it's rare. As we've said before, most diagnoses happen after the age of 50, but there are still a few cases in younger women, and they're happening more and more nowadays.

Younger women tend to have more aggressive forms of breast cancer, so if a younger woman in your life notices anything unusual, they shouldn't hesitate to schedule an examination.

Does Menopause Increase Breast Cancer Risk?

Menopause itself doesn't directly cause breast cancer or raise your risk. But the following things that are associated with it can:

• Postmenopausal hormone therapy
• Weight gain
• Prolonged estrogen exposure

When Should I Stop Getting Mammograms?

Early detection is vital, but is there a time to stop getting mammograms? Typically, most doctors recommend you continue screenings as long as you're in good health and would opt for treatment if cancer were found.

Do Men Get Breast Cancer Too?

Yes, men can get breast cancer too. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), about 1 in 726 men will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and in 2025, about 2,800 men will be diagnosed with this cancer (as opposed to 316,950 women). As you can see, it's quite rare in men, although it can definitely happen.

Can Exercise Help Lower Breast Cancer Risk?

Yes, exercise can help lower breast cancer risk, and it's considered an overall protective factor for seniors. It's recommended that older adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, as this can help:

• Regulate hormones
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Improve immune function

What Are the Early Signs of Breast Cancer in Older Women?

The early signs of breast cancer in older women are:

• A new lump or thickening
• Changes in breast shape or size
• Skin dimpling
• Nipple discharge

Know Your Breast Cancer Risk by Age

As you can see, the breast cancer risk by age goes up as you get older. So if you're a senior, it's important to watch out for warning signs, as early treatment is imperative if you want good survival rates.

Keep in mind that cancer can come back too. So make permanent lifestyle changes to keep it at bay.

Contact us today if you want more information on senior living in Albany, IN. Bennett Place Assisted Living allows pets in our apartments to ensure that our residents have the companionship they need and deserve.