Breast Cancer Risk Increases With Age

Despite the fact that women over the age of 65 run a much higher risk of developing breast cancer, a survey done last year by the National Institutes of Health shows that they are not as concerned about developing breast cancer as they were when they were younger. A woman's chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer is:

• by age 30. . . 1 out of 2,212
• by age 40. . . 1 out of 235
• by age 50. . . 1 out of 54
• by age 60. . . 1 out of 23
• by age 70. . . 1 out of 14
• by age 80. . . 1 out of 10
• Ever. . . . . . . 1 out of 8

The 1 in 8 figure means that, if current rates stay constant, a female born today has a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer sometime during her life. There are numerous risk factors that increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including family history, reproductive history and according to recent research treatment for thyroid cancer. Despite these other risk factors, age remains the greatest risk factor. The longer you live the greater your risk of developing breast cancer.

These statistics point out the reasons why yearly mammogram along with monthly self breast examination become more important as women age. In a 1999 survey only 57% of the respondents (Medicare recipients over the age of 65) knew that a screening mammogram was recommended every year, or two at the most. In the month of October as we try to raise awareness of breast cancer prevention senior women need to be especially vigilant and compliant with the recommended screenings.

• Have a screening mammogram yearly, or at least every other year. If your doctor does not recommend it, request it yourself. Yearly screening mammograms are covered by Medicare.
• Make monthly self breast examination a healthy habit. As the time of month for these exams is no longer of concern for post menopausal women, do it on a date that you will find easy to remember.
• Involve your husband or other loved one in the monthly breast examination. If your eyesight is failing you may need another pair of eyes to do a thorough visual examination.

updated 12/27/05