Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, after skin cancer. Approximately 1 in 8 women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime, and as women age, their risk also increases.

Here is what you need to know about breast cancer risk after 50.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast cells. Usually, breast cancer either begins in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple (ductal cancer) or in the milk-producing glands (lobular cancer).

When cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, they can form a lump or mass. Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

There are several factors that can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, including:.

Age – the risk of breast cancer increases as women get older
Family history of breast cancer – women with a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer are at higher risk
Personal history of breast cancer – if a woman has had breast cancer in one breast, she has a higher risk of developing it in the other breast or in a different area of the same breast
Genetic mutations – women with certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, have a higher risk of breast cancer
Exposure to estrogen – women who began menstruation early (before age 12), went through menopause late (after age 55), or have taken hormone replacement therapy have an increased risk of breast cancer
Radiation therapy – women who have had radiation therapy to the chest area, such as for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, have a higher risk of breast cancer later in life
Obesity – being overweight or obese after menopause increases the risk of breast cancer due to the increased levels of estrogen in the body
Alcohol consumption – drinking alcohol is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer

Breast Cancer Risk after 50

As women age, their risk of breast cancer increases. According to the American Cancer Society, about 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women 55 or older. Here are some breast cancer statistics for women over 50:.

Between the ages of 50 and 59, the breast cancer incidence rate is 1 in 48
Between the ages of 60 and 69, the breast cancer incidence rate is 1 in 28
Between the ages of 70 and 79, the breast cancer incidence rate is 1 in 26
The median age of breast cancer diagnosis is 62 years

Breast Cancer Screening for Women over 50

Because of the increased risk of breast cancer after 50, it’s important for women in this age group to undergo regular screening. Recommended breast cancer screening tests for women over 50 include:.

Mammogram – a mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect abnormalities before they can be felt
Clinical breast exam – a physical exam of the breast by a healthcare provider
Self-breast exam – women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and report any changes to their healthcare provider

The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer should have a mammogram every two years between the ages of 50 and 54 and then every year starting at age 55.

Women with a higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history or genetic mutations, may need to start screening at an earlier age or have additional screening tests.

Breast Cancer Treatment

If breast cancer is detected, the type of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and other factors such as the woman’s age, overall health, and personal preferences. Breast cancer treatment may include:.

Surgery – the cancerous tissue is removed from the breast
Chemotherapy – drugs are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body
Radiation therapy – high-energy rays are used to destroy cancer cells
Hormone therapy – medications block or reduce the amount of estrogen in the body to help prevent cancer cells from growing
Targeted therapy – medications target specific genes or proteins that are involved in cancer growth

Preventing Breast Cancer

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, there are some lifestyle changes that can help reduce a woman’s risk:.

Maintain a healthy weight
Get regular exercise
Limit alcohol consumption
Don’t smoke
Know your family history
Limit exposure to estrogen, such as through hormone replacement therapy

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a serious disease that affects women of all ages, but the risk of breast cancer increases as women get older. Women over 50 should be aware of their personal breast cancer risk factors and undergo regular breast cancer screening.

By being proactive about breast cancer prevention and detection, women can improve their overall breast health and potentially catch cancer early when it’s easiest to treat.