Aging and breast cancer risk

By Shireen Braner, PA, RT(R)(M)(QM)

Manager, Kettering Breast Evaluation Centers

A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer increases as she gets older. More than three-fourths of breast cancers diagnosed each year occur in women over age 50.   A woman age 70 is almost twice as likely to develop breast cancer in the next year as a woman age 50.

Chances are you don’t have breast cancer, but give yourself peace of mind by having a mammogram and clinical breast exam by your healthcare provider every year.

Your risk is greater if a close relative has had breast cancer. But more than 80 percent of breast cancers are diagnosed in women who do not have a mother or sister who has had breast cancer. 

We still don’t know what causes breast cancer, but we do know what can improve a woman’s chances of beating this disease:   EARLY DETECTION.  When breast cancer is found early, a woman increases her chances for successful treatment. A mammogram can find a tumor much earlier than you can feel it.

If your doctor hasn’t mentioned the need for a mammogram, ask about it yourself. 

The American Cancer Society is only one of many respected health and medical organizations that recommend annual mammograms for women age 40 and older.

Medicare covers mammograms according to your age and risk.   Most states now require insurance companies to cover mammograms, too.

In our area there are special funds available to cover mammograms and breast ultrasound exams, if needed, and your insurance company doesn’t cover this test.   Just contact your local mammography facility and they can direct you to these programs.

Remember: Early detection is the key.

*Information from the American Cancer Society No. 5020-Rev 07/03