Risk Factors and Treatments in NJ, CT, and MD

Common risk factors for breast cancer include:

• Age: As we age, the risk of breast cancer increases, especially after age 40. The median age for first-time breast cancer diagnosis in the U.S. is 62 years old for women and 67 years old for men, with people older than 70 at the highest risk. Other age-related breast cancer risk factors are starting menstruation younger than 12 years old and starting menopause after age 55.
• Sex: Far more women get breast cancer than men. However, it is important to remember that men also are at risk for breast cancer.
• Genetics: Some inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, are known risk factors for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. There also are less commonly known gene mutations that may lead to a slight increase in risk for breast cancer, such as ATM, TP53, PTEN, and STK11. Genetic testing and counseling are available at Regional Cancer Care Associates.
• Medical history: This category applies to both personal medical history and family medical history. A prior breast cancer diagnosis carries a higher risk for recurrence in both women and men. A person’s risk also increases if a first-degree relative, such as a daughter, mother, father, brother, or sister, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Medications: One medication tied to an increased risk of breast cancer is diethylstilbestrol (DES), which was prescribed for pregnant women from 1940 to 1971 to prevent miscarriage. The children of these women also are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. In addition, some research indicates that hormonal contraceptive methods may increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer. There is also research that indicates a higher risk of breast cancer related to the use of progestin and estrogen for more than five years in post-menopausal hormone therapy. This hormone-related research is inconclusive and ongoing.
• Lifestyle: There are a variety of healthy lifestyle practices that can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. Drinking less than two alcoholic beverages per day is one way for women to decrease their risk of developing breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active also are thought to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
• Dense connective tissue: The composition of breast tissue is another possible risk factor for breast cancer. Women with more connective tissue and less fatty tissue may have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer. Mammogram imaging is less able to show tumors with this type of breast tissue. However, specialists are using new technologies, such as 3D mammography, and combining ultrasound with mammography for these patients to help increase the detection of any abnormalities.
• Pregnancy: Becoming pregnant at an early age, or after turning age 30, may increase the chances of breast cancer. Women who have never carried a pregnancy to full term also are at higher risk.