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 starts in the breast tissue when mutated cells grow out of control, eventually creating a mass, or 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

Common or Not

How common is breast cancer?

According to the World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRF) “… (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) in 2020, the latest year available”5, in Worldwide Cancer Data: Global Cancer Statistics for the Most Common Cancers – Global Cancer Incidence In Women the WCRF state:

  • “Breast cancer was the most common cancer in women worldwide, contributing 25.8% of the total number of new cases diagnosed in 2020”.6

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). Black women die from breast cancer at a higher rate than White women”.7

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

“Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer”.8

Risk Factors

In women, what are risk factors for breast cancer?

In Breast Cancer Risk Factors Breastcancer.org elaborate on established 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”.9

In Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version: General Information About Breast Cancer — A Family History of Breast Cancer and Other Factors Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer the NCI elaborate on these and more risk factors for breast cancer:

“Risk factors for breast cancer include the following:

  • A personal history of invasive breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
  • A personal history of benign (noncancer) breast disease
  • A family history of breast cancer in a first-degree relative (mother, daughter, or sister)
  • Inherited changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes or in other genes that increase the risk of breast cancer
  • Breast tissue that is dense on a mammogram
  • Exposure of breast tissue to estrogen made by the body. This may be caused by:
    • Menstruating at an early age
    • Older age at first birth or never having given birth
    • Starting menopause at a later age
  • Taking hormones such as estrogen combined with progestin for symptoms of menopause
  • Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Obesity.

Older age is the main risk factor for most cancers. The chance of getting cancer increases as you get older”.10

Age

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

In Know Your Risk: Breast Cancer Risk Factors – 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”.11

Hormone Therapy

What does the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) explain about hormone therapy (HT) and breast cancer risk?

On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks the NAMS explain:

“Hormone therapy (combined estrogen and progestogen) might slightly increase your risk of breast cancer if used for more than 4 to 5 years. Using estrogen alone (for women without a uterus) does not increase breast cancer risk at 7 years but may increase risk if used for a longer time”.12

On page three in the Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause, first published online 10 June 2022, one of the recommendations is:

“A history of breast cancer should be considered a contraindication to systemic HRT. The risk of breast cancer recurrence with HRT is higher in women with oestrogen receptor positive cancer, but women with oestrogen receptor negative breast cancer are also considered to have an increased risk of recurrence with HRT. HRT may, in exceptional cases, be offered to women with breast cancer with severe menopausal symptoms if lifestyle modifications and non-hormonal treatment options are not effective. This should be done after discussion with the woman, her menopause specialist and her breast/oncology team”.13

Alcohol

Is there an association between alcohol and breast cancer?

In Drinking Alcohol Breastcancer.org elaborate on:

“Research consistently shows that drinking alcoholic beverages — beer, wine, and liquor — increases a woman’s risk of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Alcohol can increase levels of estrogen and other hormones associated with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. Alcohol also may increase breast cancer risk by damaging DNA in cells.

Compared to women who don’t drink at all, women who have three alcoholic drinks per week have a 15% higher risk of breast cancer. Experts estimate that the risk of breast cancer goes up another 10% for each additional drink women regularly have each day”.14

Bone Health

Is there an association between bone health and breast cancer?

In Breast Cancer & Bone Health according to the JH:

“Women who have had breast cancer may be at increased risk of developing osteoporosis: the loss of bone strength, making bones more fragile and prone to fracture.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you should ask your doctor to check your bone health, especially if you have other risk factors for osteoporosis such as a family history, low calcium intake and/or low vitamin D levels”.15

Men

Can men get breast cancer?

Yes. In Male Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version: Overview – General Information About Male Breast Cancer the NCI note in the U.S.:

“Male breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.

Breast cancer may occur in men. Breast cancer may occur in men at any age, but it usually occurs in men between 60 and 70 years of age. Male breast cancer makes up less than 1% of all cases of breast cancer”.16

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.

In About Your Breasts the JH explain:

“When To See Your Doctor

It is important to know your own breasts so you can tell if any changes occur.

You should see your doctor about:

  • New lumps
  • New lumpiness
  • Changes in the shape of your breast
  • Changes in the colour of your breast
  • Changes in the nipple
  • Discharge from the nipple
  • Puckering or dimpling of breast skin
  • Any persistent breast pain
  • Any persistent nipple or breast itching or rash”.17

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

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. 6 Findings From the Sister Study You Should Know
  2. About Breast Cancer
  3. About Breast Cancer
  4. Assessing Breast Cancer Risk
  5. BRCA Gene Test for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk
  6. Bcna.org.au [Breast Cancer Network, Australia]
  7. Breast Cancer
  8. Breast Cancer
  9. Breast Cancer
  10. Breast Cancer
  11. Breast Cancer
  12. Breast Cancer
  13. Breast Cancer and Memory Loss
  14. Breast Cancer: Diagnosis & Treatment [+ Video]
  15. Breast Cancer [How Diet, Nutrition and Physical Activity Affect Breast Cancer Risk]
  16. Breast Cancer At the Menopause
  17. Breast Cancer Awareness
  18. Breast Cancer Awareness [+ Video: What Does It Mean To Have Dense Breasts?]
  19. Breast Cancer Myths Versus Facts
  20. Breast Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version
  21. Breast Cancer Prevention and Risk
  22. Breast Cancer Prevention: How To Reduce Your Risk
  23. Breast Cancer Risk Factors
  24. Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms
  25. Breast Cancer Symptoms: What You Need To Know
  26. Breast Cancer and Bone Loss
  27. Breast Cancer: Diagnosis & Treatment [+ Video]
  28. Breast Cancer: Symptoms & Causes [+ Video]
  29. Breast Cancer: What Does it Mean To Have Dense Breasts?
  30. Breast Cancer: What Is Breast Cancer? [+ Images]
  31. Breast Cancer: What You Can Do
  32. Breast Cancer–Patient Version
  33. Breast Changes and Conditions
  34. Breast Cysts
  35. Breast Lump: Early Evaluation Is Essential
  36. Breast Pain
  37. Breast Rashes
  38. Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
  39. Breastcancer.org [United States]
  40. Breastcancercare.org.uk [Breast Cancer Care, United Kingdom]
  41. Breastcancernow.org [Breast Cancer Now, United Kingdom]
  42. Breastcancerriskfactors.gov.au [Breast Cancer Risk Factors, Australia]
  43. Breastcanceruk.org.uk [Breast Cancer, United Kingdom]
  44. Bring Your Brave Campaign
  45. Can Exercise Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer? [+ Video]
  46. Cancerreasearchuk.org: Breast Cancer
  47. Can Exercise Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer?
  48. Consumer Health: Are You Due for A Mammogram?
  49. Consumer Health: Breast Cancer Types and What Your Type Means
  50. Consumer Health: Metastatic Breast Cancer
  51. Consumer Health: Reducing Your Risk of Breast Cancer
  52. Consumer Health: What To Do If You Find A Breast Lump
  53. Dense Breasts
  54. Does Breast or Ovarian Cancer Run In Your Family?
  55. Drinking Alcohol
  56. FAQs
  57. Familial Breast Cancer
  58. Family History
  59. Genetic Testing [Breast Cancer]
  60. Genetic Testing and Family Relationships
  61. Glossary
  62. Goldilocks Surgery: Finding the Perfect Balance In Breast Cancer Reconstruction
  63. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: What Is It?
  64. Hormone (Endocrine) Therapy
  65. Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer
  66. How Menopause Can Happen With Breast Cancer Treatments
  67. Is There Any Connection Between Breast Implants and Cancer? And If So, How Serious Is the Risk?
  68. Jewish Women and BRCA Gene Mutations
  69. Know Your Risk
  70. Learn About Breast Cancer
  71. Learn More About Mammography During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  72. Living With Breast Cancer
  73. Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
  74. Luminal B Breast Cancer
  75. Mammograms
  76. Many Women Don’t Think Breast Density Is Important Risk Factor
  77. Mayo Clinic Minute: Does Soy Increase Breast Cancer Risk? [+ Video]
  78. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Does A Diagnosis of Dense Breasts Mean? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  79. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is A Breast Medicine Specialist? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  80. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Family Health History Information: Dear Mayo Clinic: My grandmother died of breast cancer at 70. My first cousin was recently diagnosed at 35…
  81. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Genetic Abnormalities and Cancer Risk
  82. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Options for Breast Reconstruction
  83. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Surgical Options for Breast Cancer Treatment [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  84. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cancer and Complimentary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know
  85. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Green Tea
  86. Nationalbreastcancer.org [National Breast Cancer Foundation, United States]
  87. Nbcf.org.au [National Breast Cancer Foundation, Australia]
  88. New Diagnosis
  89. Not All Lumps Are Breast Cancer: Benign Breast Disease
  90. Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
  91. Sisterstudy.niehs.nih.gov [United States]
  92. Talk With A Doctor If Breast or Ovarian Cancer Runs In Your Family
  93. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
  94. Types of Complementary Therapy
  95. Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
  96. Understanding the Tests That Could Save My Breasts
  97. Video Series-2023: Lifestyle Modification and Prevention of Breast Cancer
  98. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  99. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  100. When To Start Regular Breast Cancer Screenings [+ Video Courtesy: Name Super/CG: Sandhya Pruthi, M.D./Breast Clinic/Mayo Clinic]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Know Your Risk: Breast Cancer Risk Factors – Age. Last Updated: 23 February 2023. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/age Accessed: 24 September 2023
  2. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: B – Breast Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/B Accessed: 24 September 2023
  3. About Breast Cancer? What Is Breast Cancer? Last Updated: 08 July 2023. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer Accessed: 24 September 2023
  4. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: B – Breast Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/B Accessed: 24 September 2023
  5. Worldwide Cancer Data: Global Cancer Statistics for the Most Common Cancers – Global Cancer Incidence In Women. World Cancer Research Fund International https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cancer-trends/worldwide-cancer-data Accessed: 24 September 2023
  6. Worldwide Cancer Data. World Cancer Research Fund International https://www.wcrf.org/dietandcancer/cancer-trends/worldwide-cancer-data Accessed: 24 September 2023
  7. Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer Statistics. Last Reviewed: 08 June 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/index.htm Accessed: 24 September 2023
  8. Breast Cancer In Women: Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 28 October 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/ Accessed: 24 September 2023
  9. Breast Cancer Risk Factors. Last Updated: 19 July 2023. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors Accessed: 24 September 2023
  10. Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version: General Information About Breast Cancer – A Family History of Breast Cancer and Other Factors Increase the Risk of Breast Cancer. Updated: 23 August 2023. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-treatment-pdq Accessed: 24 September 2023
  11. Know Your Risk: Breast Cancer Risk Factors – Age. Last Updated: 23 February 2023. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/age Accessed: 24 September 2023
  12. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks. 2022:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/professional/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2022.pdf Accessed: 24 September 2023
  13. Hamoda, H., Mukherjee, A., Morris, E., Baldeweg, S. E., Jayasena, C. N., Briggs, P., Moger, S. Optimising the Menopause Transition: Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause. First Published Online 10 June 2022:1 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20533691221104882 Accessed: 24 September 2023
  14. Drinking Alcohol. Last Updated: 28 April 2023. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/drinking-alcohol Accessed: 24 September 2023
  15. Breast Cancer & Bone Health. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 15 December 2013. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/bone-health/breast-cancer-bone-health/ Accessed: 24 September 2023
  16. Male Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version: Overview – General Information About Male Breast Cancer. Updated: 14 April 2022. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/male-breast-treatment-pdq#section/_69 Accessed: 24 September 2023
  17. About Your Breasts: When To See Your Doctor. Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Last Reviewed: 30 October 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/breast-health/about-your-breasts Accessed: 24 September 2023
Topic Last Updated: 16 March 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 24 September 2023

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