Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

“As with many other diseases, your risk of breast cancer
goes up as you get older. About two out of three
invasive breast cancers are found in women 55 or older”.1

Umbrella

What may the Breast Cancer Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Breast Cancer
  • Cancer of the Breast
  • Ductal Carcinoma

Definition

What is breast cancer?

DotS the definition of breast cancer may vary. The (United States) National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) definition:

“Breast Cancer
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast”.2

The (United States) Breastcancer.org’s definition is:

“Breast cancer occurs when breast cells multiply and grow out of control, forming a tumor”.3

Types

What are common types of breast cancer?

The NCI explain:

“The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the lining of the milk ducts (thin tubes that carry milk from the lobules of the breast to the nipple). Another type of breast cancer is lobular carcinoma, which begins in the lobules (milk glands) of the breast. Invasive breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread from where it began in the breast ducts or lobules to surrounding normal tissue. Breast cancer occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare”.4

Symptoms

What can breast cancer symptoms include?

In Breast Cancer: Symptoms, dated 03 July 2026, the World Health Organization elaborate on:

Breast cancer can have combinations of symptoms, especially when it is more advanced. Symptoms of breast cancer can include:

  • A breast lump or thickening, often without pain
  • Change in size, shape or appearance of the breast
  • Dimpling, redness, pitting or other changes in the skin
  • Change in nipple appearance or the skin surrounding the nipple (areola)
  • Abnormal or bloody fluid from the nipple.

People with an abnormal breast lump should seek medical care, even if the lump does not hurt.

Most breast lumps are not cancer. Breast lumps that are cancerous are more likely to be successfully treated when they are small and have not spread to nearby lymph nodes”.5

Common or Not

How common is breast cancer?

In the United States according to the (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

“Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. (Some kinds of skin cancer are the most common.) Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. (Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death.) For non-Hispanic Black women and Hispanic women, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death”.6 

In the United Kingdom (UK) according to the (United Kingdom) NHS:

“Breast cancer is cancer that’s found in the breasts. It’s the most common type of cancer in women in the UK. Anyone can get breast cancer”.7

Risk

How may breast cancer risk be lowered?

In Breast Cancer Risk Factors Breastcancer.org elaborate on known and emerging breast cancer risk factors explaining:

“Everyone wants to know what they can do to lower their breast cancer risk. Although doctors don’t know what causes breast cancer, they do know there are factors linked to a higher-than-average risk of developing the disease. Some factors associated with an increase in breast cancer risk — being a woman, your age, and your genetics, for example — can’t be changed. Other factors — lack of exercise, smoking cigarettes, and eating certain foods — can be altered by making lifestyle choices.

By choosing the healthiest lifestyle options possible, you can empower yourself and make sure your breast cancer risk is as low as possible”.8

In Breast Cancer Causes and Risk Factors: Factors That Can Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer — Personal Health History and Breast Conditions the NCI elaborate on these and more risk factors for breast cancer:

“The following personal factors and breast conditions have been linked to a higher risk of breast cancer:

  • Having had breast cancer in the past
  • Having had ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in the past
  • Having been exposed to high levels of radiation in the past, particularly at a young age, such as during treatment for childhood cancer
  • Having a history of certain kinds of breast changes. Learn more about precancerous breast conditions
  • Having dense breasts, a common condition that not only increases the risk of breast cancer but also makes it more difficult to detect breast cancer on mammograms. Learn more about dense breasts
  • Having excess body weight, especially after menopause
  • Taking combination (estrogen plus progestin) hormone replacement therapy for symptoms of menopause…
  • Having been exposed to DES (a synthetic estrogen) before birth (in utero) or having taken it during pregnancy…”.9

Age

In women, is age a risk factor for breast cancer?

In Age Breastcancer.org also note:

Breast Cancer“As with many other diseases, your risk of breast cancer goes up as you get older. About two out of three invasive breast cancers are found in women 55 or older”.10

Hormone Therapy

Does hormone therapy (HT) or menopause hormone therapy (MHT) increase breast cancer risk in those who have not previously had breast cancer?

Depending on the Source and the date of the information, the answer to this question may vary, a lot. It can therefore be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about your hormone therapy options and your risks and benefits.

In International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause. 12. Breast Cancer, published online 23 December 2025, the authors include:

  • “The risk of breast cancer attributable to MHT is small and is similar to, or lower than, the increased risks associated with common lifestyle factors such as reduced physical activity, obesity and alcohol consumption. ⨁⨁⨁⨁ A”.11

Alcohol

Is there an association between alcohol and increased breast cancer risk?

In Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk: How Much Does Alcohol Increase Breast Cancer Risk? updated on 21 April 2026, Breastcancer.org explain:

“Research suggests that drinking alcohol may be particularly likely to increase breast cancer risk. A 2026 study found that women who drink heavily have a 52% higher risk of developing breast cancer.

So the more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer”.12

Does drinking alcohol if taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increased breast cancer risk?

In Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk: Drinking Increases Risk More When Taking HRT Breastcancer.org also note:

“The effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on breast cancer risk is complex and depends on many factors. If you’re taking HRT, however, it’s important to know that research shows drinking alcohol can further increase your breast cancer risk”.13

Men

Can men get breast cancer?

Yes. In Male Breast Cancer: What Is Male Breast Cancer? the NCI note in the U.S.:

“Male breast cancer is breast cancer that develops in men. Breast cancer is much more common in women, but men can get breast cancer because they also have breast tissue where cancer can start. Fewer than 1 in 100 breast cancers in the United States occur in men. Men of any age can get breast cancer, but it usually occurs at a later age in men than in women”.14

Health Care Provider

What if I notice changes with my breasts?

If you notice any changes with your breasts, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to you health care provider about this as soon as possible.

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Breast Cancer?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Breast Cancer?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

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New or Updated

  1. 11 Things To Know About Supplements and Cannabis for Breast Cancer
  2. 5 Evidence-Based Ways To Reduce Breast Cancer Risk In 2026
  3. About Breast Cancer
  4. About Dense Breasts
  5. Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk
  6. Association Between Alcohol Consumption and Breast Cancer Incidence and Prognosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  7. BRCA Gene Test for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk
  8. Bcna.org.au [Breast Cancer Network, Australia]
  9. Breast Cancer
  10. Breast Cancer
  11. Breast Cancer
  12. Breast Cancer
  13. Breast Cancer
  14. Breast Cancer
  15. Breast Cancer
  16. Breast Cancer
  17. Breast Cancer Awareness
  18. Breast Cancer Awareness Month [October, Australia]
  19. Breast Cancer Awareness Month [October, United Kingdom]
  20. Breast Cancer Awareness Month [October, United States]
  21. Breast Cancer Can Be Genetic: Here’s What To Know
  22. Breast Cancer Myths Versus Facts
  23. Breast Cancer Prevention
  24. Breast Cancer Prevention and Risk
  25. Breast Cancer Prevention: How To Reduce Your Risk
  26. Breast Cancer Risk Assessments: What You Need To Know
  27. Breast Cancer Risk Factors
  28. Breast Cancer Risk Factors
  29. Breast Cancer Survivors Find Relief for Debilitating Menopause Symptom
  30. Breast Cancer and Your Bone Health: What To Know
  31. Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer Basics
  32. Breast Lump: Early Evaluation Is Essential
  33. Breast Pain
  34. Breast Pain or Breast Cancer? Dr Liz O’Riordan
  35. Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
  36. Breast Reconstruction Using Your Own Tissue
  37. Breast and Ovarian Cancers and Family History Risk Categories
  38. Breastcancer.org [United States]
  39. Breastcancercare.org.uk [Breast Cancer Care, United Kingdom]
  40. Breastcancernow.org [Breast Cancer Now, United Kingdom]
  41. Breastcanceruk.org.uk [Breast Cancer, United Kingdom]
  42. Bring Your Brave Campaign
  43. Can Exercise Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer? [+ Video]
  44. Can Soy Cause Breast Cancer?
  45. Caring for Someone With Breast Cancer
  46. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Lifestyle Modification and Prevention of Breast Cancer
  47. Demystifying Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Understanding the Basics
  48. Dense Breasts
  49. Does HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) Increase Breast Cancer Risk?
  50. FAQs
  51. Familial Breast Cancer
  52. Family History
  53. Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
  54. Glossary
  55. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: What Is It?
  56. Hormone (Endocrine) Therapy
  57. How Breast Tumors Start and Spread
  58. Information for LGBTIQ+ People Diagnosed With Breast Cancer
  59. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause
  60. Komen.org/breast-cancer [Susan G. Komen, United States]
  61. Learn How Breast Density Impacts Cancer Risk With Dr. Liz O’Riordan – Cancer || Dr Liz O’Riordan
  62. Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
  63. Luminal B Breast Cancer
  64. Male Breast Cancer
  65. Mammograms
  66. Mayo Clinic Minute: Does Soy Increase Breast Cancer Risk? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  67. Mayo Clinic Minute: Treating Breast Cancer Through Surgery [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  68. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Does A Diagnosis of Dense Breasts Mean? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  69. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is A Breast Medicine Specialist? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  70. Mayo Clinic Q and A: How Surgery Can Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
  71. Mayo Clinic Q and A: How To Decide Which Breast Cancer Surgery Is Right for You
  72. Mediterranean Diet May Help Lower Breast Cancer Risk, Especially Postmenopause
  73. Menopause Care After Breast Cancer | Dr Louise Newson
  74. Menopause Treatment Options After Cancer
  75. Menopause and Breast Cancer
  76. Menopause and Menopausal Symptoms
  77. Metastatic Breast Cancer
  78. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cancer and Complimentary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know
  79. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Green Tea
  80. Nationalbreastcancer.org [National Breast Cancer Foundation, United States]
  81. Nbcf.org.au [National Breast Cancer Foundation, Australia]
  82. New Diagnosis of Early Breast Cancer
  83. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations – Lifestyle, Diet, Exercise
  84. People At Increased Risk for BRCA Gene Mutations
  85. Preserving Fertility Before Breast Cancer Treatment
  86. Science In 5: Episode #127 – Breast Cancer: Take Charge of Your Health
  87. Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
  88. Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
  89. Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
  90. Special Series: Young With Breast Cancer
  91. Surgical Innovations Help Personalize Breast Cancer Treatment, Improve Quality of Life
  92. Survey Shows Need for More Education About Nutrition’s Impact on Breast Cancer Risk
  93. Symptoms of Breast Cancer In Women
  94. The 4 Types of Systemic Therapy for Breast Cancer
  95. The Silent Signs Of Breast Cancer
  96. Top 10 Questions About Breast Cancer Answered
  97. Topical Vaginal Oestrogen for Breast Cancer Patients
  98. Types of Breast Cancer
  99. Types of Complementary Therapy
  100. Understanding Breast Cancer Recurrance
  101. Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
  102. What Are Breast Cysts?

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Age. Updated: 22 February 2023. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/age Accessed: 22 July 2026
  2. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: B – Breast Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/B Accessed: 22 July 2026
  3. How Breast Tumors Start and Spread? Updated: 12 June 2026. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer Accessed: 22 July 2026
  4. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: B – Breast Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/B Accessed: 22 July 2026
  5. Breast Cancer: Symptoms. 03 July 2026. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer Accessed: 22 July 2026
  6. Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer Statistics – What To Know. 10 June 2025. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/statistics/index.html Accessed: 22 July 2026
  7. Breast Cancer In Women. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/ Accessed: 22 July 2026
  8. Breast Cancer Risk Factors. Last Updated: 11 June 2026. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors Accessed: 22 July 2026
  9. Breast Cancer Causes and Risk Factors: Factors That Can Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer — Personal Health History and Breast Conditions. Updated: 02 December 2025. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/causes-risk-factors Accessed: 22 July 2026
  10. Age. Updated: 22 February 2023. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/age Accessed: 22 July 2026
  11. Panay, N., et al. International Menopause Society (IMS) Recommendations and Key Messages on Women’s Midlife Health and Menopause: 12. Breast Cancer. Published Online: 23 December 2025. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13697137.2025.2585487#abstract Accessed: 22 July 2026
  12. Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk: How Much Does Alcohol Increase Breast Cancer Risk? Updated: 22 April 2026. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/drinking-alcohol Accessed: 22 July 2026
  13. Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk: Drinking Increases Risk More When Taking HRT. Updated: 21 April 2026. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/drinking-alcohol Accessed: 22 July 2026
  14. Male Breast Cancer: What Is Male Breast Cancer? Updated: 02 December 2025. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/male-breast-cancer#what-is-male-breast-cancer Accessed: 22 July 2026
Topic Last Updated: 22 July 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 22 July 2026

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