Breast Cancer Risk Factors

About 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Although breast cancer rates in the U.S. are actually decreasing, breast cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer death among women—second only to lung cancer. Knowing your risk and getting your regular screening mammogram are the best ways to catch breast cancer in the earliest and most treatable stage.

Some common breast cancer risk factors include:

• Gender
  Although breast cancer affects men and women, less than 1% of all new breast cancer cases happen in men. Women are significantly more likely to get breast cancer than men.

• Age
  The risk of breast cancer increases with age. While breast cancer can happen earlier, it is most common in women over age 55. According to the American Cancer society, approximately 1 out of 8 invasive breast cancers develop in women younger than 45. Approximately 2 out of every 3 invasive breast cancer are found in women 55 or older.

• Family History
  Having a family history of breast cancer increases your risk. If a close relative, like a parent, sibling or child, was diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, you have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the future.

• Menstrual and Reproductive History
  Beginning menstruation before the age of 12 or beginning menopause after age 55 can increase your risk for breast cancer. In addition, having your first child at an older age or never giving birth at all can increase your risk.

• Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy
  Treating menopause symptoms with hormone therapy medications that include estrogen and progesterone, also called hormone replacement therapy, puts you at increased risk for breast cancer.

Have you had your mammogram yet?

Annual screening mammograms are recommended for all women beginning at age 40. At The Breast Center of Maple Grove, we make it easy for you to fit your mammogram into your busy schedule by offering same day appointments Monday through Friday 7:30am-5:00pm, extended hours from 7am-8pm Monday-Wednesday and we can accommodate walk-ins. If you’re due for your mammogram, make an appointment or walk right into our center conveniently located across from Maple Grove Hospital.