How Breast Cancer Risk by Age Affects Men and Women

To summarize:

• The risk of breast cancer generally increases with age, and women tend to see the highest rate of diagnosis in their 60s and 70s.
• For the average woman, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends getting a mammogram once every couple of years.
• Speak to your healthcare provider about screening and breast cancer risk by age, and engage in healthy habits to reduce the likelihood of developing cancer.

Close to a picturesque Corona del Mar coast and beautiful green surroundings, Crown Cove is a calming ocean community focused on wellbeing. The staff here understands how to support residents in Corona Del Mar, CA, in senior living. As such, our team supports residents navigating significant health challenges, such as breast cancer. 

Below, we offer tips to help you understand how breast cancer risk by age changes over time. The article also outlines the steps you can take to lower this risk.

What Age Is Most Vulnerable to Breast Cancer?

The incidence of cancer rises with age, and the American Cancer Society reports that with most people, it peaks in their 60s, tapering off with more advanced age.

However, while the lifetime probability of developing cancer for most women sits at around one in eight, for men it is significantly less, highlighting the need for male breast cancer education.

Is Breast Cancer Less Aggressive as You Age?

In some cases, yes. However, not all.

Some tumors in older adults are "hormone-receptor positive". As such, they react to the estrogen or progesterone in a patient's body, causing them to grow faster. Younger individuals often have more of this hormone.

At the same time, however, the opposite is also true, and "triple-negative" tumors, which lack estrogen and progesterone interactions, are rare but are often faster-growing.

As such, there is no guarantee as to what a cancer might be. So, it is always a good idea to get checked regularly so that an effective treatment can be formed.

Risk by Age for Women and Men

As age is a variable that one cannot control, both women and men must ensure they get screened when it is available.

They should also inform the doctor of any other risk factors that the physician should consider, such as a family history. Informing them of your having previous conditions or especially dense breasts can also help guide their screening process so that they can perform a better check.

For men, this may involve more self-checks, but as the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health reports, men account for 1% of breast cancer cases and deaths. As such, they are no less critical when it comes to senior men's health.

One of the best ways to reduce risks in your senior years, however, is to continue engaging in healthy habits. Movement and exercise, as well as making healthier choices, can all help stave off the risks of cancer development.

For residents with cognitive changes, memory care awareness, such as reminders and caregiver support, can help keep a screening on schedule.

Risks in the 20s and 30s

The risk at this age is much lower, but if you have a strong family history of early breast cancer, it may be crucial to insist on a screening. If you detect any changes in your breasts, insist on a screening as soon as possible. These may include:

• Changes to breast skin
• Inversion of the nipple
• Tender or red nipples
• Feeling a lump in the breast tissue

Should you notice any of these, book an appointment with your doctor immediately.

FAQ: Breast Cancer Risk by Age

How Fast Can Breast Cancer Develop Between Mammograms?

There are several different forms of cancer, and the growth speed of each varies by subtype. Some might grow at a rapid pace, while others grow especially slowly. However, even with regular mammograms, you may still detect what are known as "interval cancers" between these checks.

Due to these facts, it is essential to maintain a consistent schedule when booking checks to minimize the risk of missing a tumor. At the same time, early detection tips from your care team, combined with prompt reporting of any new symptoms, can further reduce delays.

Is Breast Cancer Inherited From the Mother or Father?

Inherited traits that may lead to an increased risk of breast cancer can come from either side of the family tree. As such, if there is a pattern of breast cancer in your family's history, make a note of it to discuss with your doctor.

Note that your family history should also include both men and women across several generations, as men are also victims of 1% of breast cancer developments.

What Are the Top Five Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

Your age may be the most significant factor in whether you are likely to develop breast cancer, with the average age of developing it sitting in the late sixties. However, other things that could boost the risk include:

• Personal history of other breast conditions
• Family history of breast cancer or other cancers
• Known gene variants that may cause cancers
• Having especially dense breasts

Poor personal health can also increase the risk, so ensuring that you take advantage of nutritious food and wellness-related activities can lower the chances of developing the illness.

Having denser breasts also increases the risk of it being harder to see tumors on mammograms. Therefore, these individuals should schedule timely screenings to minimize the likelihood of missing any potential issues.

Seek Information, Screening, and Support

Make sure that you get checked starting at age 40 and regularly after that to reduce the onset of breast cancer risk by age. At the same time, remember to adopt simple, healthy habits and choose a calm, well-supported community in which to enjoy retirement, making it even easier.

Crown Cove Senior Living offers an ocean-view community featuring a craft room, salon, library, and a range of daily activities. Within Crown Cove, our goal is to ensure you can enjoy a relaxing and healthy senior lifestyle.

If you would like to learn more about what we offer and how we support our residents at every step of their life's journey, please get in touch. We would be happy to provide a tour and ensure you understand what makes our community a cut above the rest.