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 when abnormal cells in the breast grow and multiply uncontrollably”.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?

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”.5

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”.6

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”.7

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”.8

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”.9

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”.10

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”.11

Alcohol

Is there an association between alcohol and breast cancer?

In Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk 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”.12

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”.13

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

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. 11 Things To Know About Supplements and Cannabis for Breast Cancer
  2. About Breast Cancer
    Breast Cancer
  3. About Breast Cancer
  4. About Dense Breasts
  5. Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk: What You Need To Know
  6. Assessing Breast Cancer Risk
  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 At the Menopause
  18. Breast Cancer Awareness
  19. Breast Cancer Awareness Month [October, United States]
  20. Breast Cancer Can Be Genetic: Here’s What To Know
  21. Breast Cancer Myths Versus Facts
  22. Breast Cancer Prevention (PDQ)–Patient Version
  23. Breast Cancer Prevention and Risk
  24. Breast Cancer Prevention: How To Reduce Your Risk
  25. Breast Cancer Risk Factors
  26. Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms
  27. Breast Cancer Symptoms: What You Need To Know
  28. Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer Basics
  29. Breast Cancer: What Causes Breast Cancer
  30. Breast Cancer: What You Can Do
  31. Breast Cancer–Patient Version
  32. Breast Cysts
  33. Breast Lump: Early Evaluation Is Essential
  34. Breast Pain
  35. Breast Pain or Breast Cancer? Dr Liz O’Riordan
  36. Breast Reconstruction After Mastectomy
  37. Breast Reconstruction Using Your Own Tissue
  38. Breast and Ovarian Cancers and Family History Risk Categories
  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. Can Soy Cause Breast Cancer?
  47. Caring for Someone With Breast Cancer
  48. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Lifestyle Modification and Prevention of Breast Cancer
  49. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2024 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  50. Demystifying Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Understanding the Basics
  51. Dense Breasts
  52. Drinking Alcohol
  53. FAQs
  54. Familial Breast Cancer
  55. Family History
  56. Genetic Testing and Family Relationships
  57. Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
  58. Glossary
  59. Goldilocks Surgery: Finding the Perfect Balance In Breast Cancer Reconstruction
  60. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: What Is It?
  61. Hormone (Endocrine) Therapy
  62. How Diet Impacts Breast Cancer Risk and Outcomes
  63. Information for LGBTIQ+ People Diagnosed With Breast Cancer
  64. Is There Any Connection Between Breast Implants and Cancer? And If So, How Serious Is the Risk?
  65. Jewish Women and BRCA Gene Mutations
  66. Know Your Breast Cancer Risk
  67. Learn About Breast Cancer
  68. Learn How Breast Density Impacts Cancer Risk With Dr. Liz O’Riordan – Cancer || Dr Liz O’Riordan
  69. Learn More About Mammography During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  70. Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer
  71. Luminal B Breast Cancer
  72. Mammograms
  73. Mayo Clinic Explains Breast Cancer
  74. Mayo Clinic Minute: Does Soy Increase Breast Cancer Risk? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  75. Mayo Clinic Minute: Radiation Therapy for Patients With Breast Cancer [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  76. Mayo Clinic Minute: Treating Breast Cancer Through Surgery [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  77. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Does A Diagnosis of Dense Breasts Mean? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  78. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is A Breast Medicine Specialist? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  79. Mayo Clinic Q and A: How Surgery Can Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
  80. Mayo Clinic Q and A: How To Decide Which Breast Cancer Surgery Is Right for You
  81. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Options for Breast Reconstruction
  82. Mediterranean Diet May Help Lower Breast Cancer Risk, Especially Postmenopause
  83. Menopause Care After Breast Cancer | Dr Louise Newson
  84. Menopause Treatment Options After Cancer
  85. Menopause and Breast Cancer
  86. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cancer and Complimentary Health Approaches: What You Need To Know
  87. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Green Tea
  88. Nationalbreastcancer.org [National Breast Cancer Foundation, United States]
  89. Nbcf.org.au [National Breast Cancer Foundation, Australia]
  90. New Diagnosis of Early Breast Cancer
  91. Science In 5: Episode #127 – Breast Cancer: Take Charge of Your Health
  92. Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
  93. Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
  94. Surgical Innovations Help Personalize Breast Cancer Treatment, Improve Quality of Life
  95. Symptoms of Breast Cancer In Women
  96. The 4 Types of Systemic Therapy for Breast Cancer
  97. Top 10 Questions About Breast Cancer Answered
  98. Topical Vaginal Oestrogen for Breast Cancer Patients
  99. Types of Breast Cancer
    Breast Cancer
  100. Types of Complementary Therapy
  101. Understanding Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
  102. What Are Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

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: 03 May 2025
  2. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: B – Breast Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/B Accessed: 03 May 2025
  3. About Breast Cancer? What Is Breast Cancer? Last Updated: 30 March 2025. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/about-breast-cancer Accessed: 03 May 2025
  4. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: B – Breast Cancer. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/expand/B Accessed: 03 May 2025
  5. Breast Cancer: Breast Cancer Statistics – What To Know. 16 September 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/statistics/index.html Accessed: 03 May 2025
  6. Breast Cancer In Women. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/ Accessed: 03 May 2025
  7. Breast Cancer Risk Factors. Last Updated: 30 April 2025. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors Accessed: 03 May 2025
  8. 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: 11 December 2024. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-treatment-pdq Accessed: 03 May 2025
  9. Know Your Risk: Breast Cancer Risk Factors – Age. Last Updated: 23 February 2023. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/age Accessed: 03 May 2025
  10. 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: 03 May 2025
  11. 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: 03 May 2025
  12. Alcohol and Breast Cancer Risk. Last Updated: 22 January 2024. Breastcancer.org https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/drinking-alcohol Accessed: 03 May 2025
  13. Male Breast Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version: Overview – General Information About Male Breast Cancer. Updated: 23 August 2024. National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/male-breast-treatment-pdq#section/_69 Accessed: 03 May 2025
Topic Last Updated: 11 May 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 03 May 2025

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