Health
Breast Cancer: Key Facts for Adults Over 40
Health Points
- Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in the U.S.
- There are several types of breast cancer, with invasive ductal carcinoma being the most prevalent.
- Risk factors include age, genetics, lifestyle, and hormonal factors.
Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in breast tissue.
This condition affects both men and women, though it is much more frequent in women over the age of 50.
Symptoms To Know
- Breast or nipple pain
- New lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Skin dimpling or changes, and unusual nipple discharge
Being proactive about any changes to your breasts or nipples is crucial, as early signs may be subtle or absent.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Most cases arise from gene mutations, sometimes inherited, but often due to lifestyle or environmental exposures.
- Women face higher risk after age 50, especially if there’s a family history or certain genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- Other risk enhancers include hormone therapy, inactivity, excess alcohol, and obesity.
For women, factors such as early puberty, late menopause, not breastfeeding, and taking combined oral contraceptives can add to risk.
In men, rare genetic syndromes, liver conditions, and testicular issues raise the chance of breast cancer.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Diagnosis usually involves a breast exam, imaging (mammogram or MRI), and sometimes biopsy for confirmation.
- Staging considers tumor size, lymph node involvement, molecular markers, and whether cancer has spread.
- Treatment might include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted drugs, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy based on individual needs.
Consulting a healthcare provider helps tailor a treatment plan and discuss ways to manage risk, but there is no guaranteed prevention method.
Stay proactive about regular screenings and healthy habits as you age—awareness can make all the difference.
