Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In the United States alone, about 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Many factors increase the risk of breast cancer, including genetics and age.

But when it comes to breast cancer risk, is age a bigger factor than genetics? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells can form a tumor or invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it is much more common in women.

Age and Breast Cancer Risk

Age is a significant risk factor for breast cancer. The older a woman gets, the higher her risk of developing breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, around two out of three invasive breast cancers are found in women 55 or older.

The risk of breast cancer increases significantly after the age of 50.

There are a few reasons why age increases breast cancer risk. As women age, their breast tissue changes and becomes more susceptible to developing cancer.

Older women are also more likely to have been exposed to risk factors like radiation, hormonal changes, and lifestyle factors that increase their risk of breast cancer.

Genetics and Breast Cancer Risk

Some types of breast cancer are linked to genetics. Inherited changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, for example, increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. These genes are responsible for producing proteins that help suppress the growth of cancer cells.

When changes occur in these genes, the proteins are no longer produced, and the risk of developing breast cancer increases.

But while genetics do play a role in breast cancer risk, only about 5-10% of breast cancer cases are caused by inherited gene mutations. The majority of breast cancer cases occur in women with no family history of the disease.

Age vs. Genetics: Which is a Bigger Risk Factor?

Age and genetics both contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer, but which is a bigger risk factor?.

Related Article Biological vs chronological age: Which is a greater risk for breast cancer?

The answer is complicated because age and genetics both play different roles in breast cancer risk. Age is a more significant risk factor because everyone ages, while not everyone has a genetic mutation linked to breast cancer.

However, for women with an inherited gene mutation, genetics can be the biggest risk factor.

Generally speaking, age is a bigger risk factor for breast cancer because the longer you live, the more likely you are to develop the disease.

But for women with a family history of breast cancer, genetics can significantly increase the risk of developing the disease.

Other Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Age and genetics are not the only risk factors for breast cancer. Several other factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing the disease, including:.

• Having dense breast tissue
• Being overweight or obese
• Exposure to radiation
• Having a personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast conditions
• Drinking alcohol
• Starting menstruation at a young age (before age 12)
• Starting menopause at an older age (after age 55)
• Not having children or having children later in life
• Taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for a long time

It’s important to note that having one or more risk factors for breast cancer does not necessarily mean a woman will develop the disease.

Preventing Breast Cancer

While some breast cancer risk factors cannot be changed, there are several things women can do to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer, including:.

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Not smoking
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting regular breast exams and mammograms

For women at high risk of breast cancer, there may be additional steps they can take to reduce their risk. This may include taking medications like tamoxifen or raloxifene, which can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Women with a strong family history of breast cancer or those with an inherited gene mutation may also consider prophylactic mastectomy (removal of both breasts) to significantly reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

The Bottom Line

Breast cancer is a complex disease with multiple risk factors. Age and genetics both play a role in breast cancer risk, but age is generally a bigger risk factor because everyone ages, while not everyone has a genetic mutation linked to the disease.

Women can reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, getting regular breast exams and mammograms, and possibly taking medications or having prophylactic surgery if they are at high risk of developing the disease.